Flash Flood in Summit County, Ohio

Pigeon Creek flooded homes near Springfield and Knox avenues in northwest Akron and Copley Township. Pigeon Creek inundated near 100 year, or 1 percent recurrence flood levels on the 17th. Pigeon Creek in eastern Barberton and northwest Akron received and estimated 5 inches of rain and resulted in over 100 year, or 1 percent recurrence flood levels. Akron Canton airport measured 4.63' of rain on the morning of the 17th.

A stationary front supported widespread showers and thunderstorms across northern and central Ohio. During the overnight of June 16th into the morning of the 17th heavy showers developed along this boundary. Warm and humid conditions with precipitable water values around 1.75-2.0' supported very efficient rainfall with rainfall rates exceeding 3 inches per hour. Three day totals in this area were 3 to 6 inches with saturated ground conditions and already swollen rivers and creeks. The National Weather Service had a flood watch in effect for the entire region. Numerous flash floods on the 16th and continued wet ground conditions supported rapid runoff with the rainfall during the early morning of the 17th. The additional rainfall 1.5 to 2.5 inches triggered flash floods and significant river flooding across the Tuscarawas watershed. Hundreds of homes and businesses in southern Summit County were flooded in Norton, Barberton, Clinton, New Franklin, and Copley Township. Canal Fulton (Stark County), Rittman (Medina and Wayne County), Chippewa Lake (Medina County), and Massillon (Stark County) also sustained major damage.