Storm Surge/Tide — Ottawa, Ohio

1998-04-09 to 1998-04-10 · near Port Clinton, Ottawa, Ohio

Wider weather episode

Northeast gales of 35 knots and water levels that peaked just below 100 inches above low water datum produced 10 to 14 foot waves which caused major damage along the lakeshore. Many lakeshore roads were not only flooded , but also covered with rocks and other debris that, in some places, had to be removed by bulldozers. In Ottawa County, ten houses were destroyed and over 200 others were damaged, streets in downtown Port Clinton were flooded and the dike system and gravel roads in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge were badly damaged. Some evacuations took place at Whites Landing in Erie And Sandusky Counties and also at Wightmans Grove and Memory Marina in Sandusky County. A State of Emergency was declared and standing flood water persisted for several days in some areas.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5641356. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.