Flash Flood — Ashland, Ohio

2006-07-10 · near South Portion, Ashland, Ohio

Event narrative

Heavy thunderstorm rains fell on the southern portion of Ashland County during the afternoon and early evening hours of July 10th. Rainfall rates approached 3 inches per hour at times and a spotter near the intersection of State Route 3 and College Hill Road, just south of the Ashland County line, measured a storm total of 7.5 inches. Cooperative observers at the Mohicanville Dam measured 2.8 inches of rain between 3 and 4 p.m. and a storm total of 3.41 inches. Other reports from the county included: 3.26 inches in Loudonville, 2.89 inches at Pleasant Hill Dam and 2.10 inches in the City of Ashland. Runoff from the heavy rains caused the Mohican River to rise very quickly. A four foot wall of water reportedly moved down the river forcing several people in canoes to climb into trees. Firefighters later rescued eight people from the river or trees. The river continued to rise more than a foot per hour through the evening hours. Up to 700 campers had to be evacuated from Mohican State Park, many by boat. Several campgrounds on Wally Road south of Loudonville also had to be evacuated because of flooding. These evacuations continued through 10 p.m. and were hampered by several mudslides along Wally Road. A woman had to be rescued from her home on Pleasant Hill Road. Dozens of campers and mobile homes were damaged in the State Park and campgrounds. Extensive flooding also occurred along Pine Run south and west of Loudonville. Four barns along the run were washed away and a bridge on State Route 3 was heavily damaged. An historic mill along Pine Run sustained over $100,000 in damage. County Roads 3275, 1027 and 3175 (Wally Road) were washed out in several locations. At least seven Hanover Township roads were also washed out. Total damage to roads and bridges in the county approached $1 million. Flooding was reported as far north as the City of Ashland where several streets were flooded. Over two dozen roads in the county had to be closed because of flooding including State Route 60 south of Hayesville, and State Routes 3, 39 and 97 near Loudonville. Hundreds of homes and mobile homes sustained damage, mainly from basement flooding. Crop losses in the county are also expected to be substantial as standing water delayed the wheat crop harvest.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5526507. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.