Flash Flood — Licking, Ohio

1997-07-26 to 1997-07-27 · near Countywide, Licking, Ohio

Event narrative

An estimated 8 inches of rain fell across the county in less than 6 hours. Numerous roads were closed, including Interstate 71,and many houses and businesses were flooded. The county was declared a disaster area by the state of Ohio.

Wider weather episode

A warm front which was across central Ohio at peak heating on the 26th became the focus for a Mesoscale Convective System that lasted well into the early morning hours on the 27th. Severe thunderstorms moved repeatedly over the same areas causing substantial damage. The continuous rainfall also caused flash flooding in Licking county. Over 400 homes received damage from the combined severe thunderstorm and flooding event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5612299. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.