Flood — Hamilton, Ohio

1996-01-23 to 1996-01-30 · Hamilton, Ohio

Wider weather episode

By the 23rd many tributaries to the Ohio river had already crested and were receding back within their banks. However, a significant rain event occurred on the 23rd bringing over 2 inches of rain to South Central areas with lesser amounts to the north. Many tributaries were pushed back into flood on the 24th, and the flood crest moved downstream on the Ohio river. While most tributaries only experienced minor to moderate flooding, backwater flooding from the Ohio resulted in major flooding along some of the tributaries. The Little Miami river was flooded particularly bad just east of Cincinnati. Evacuations took place near the confluence of the Ohio and Little Miami rivers on the 24th as the Ohio river crest travelled through Cincinnati. Cincinnati eventually crested during the evening of the 24th at 57.3 feet, while flood stage is 52 feet. This was the highest crest in Cincinnati since March, 1979.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5569773. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.