Flash Flood — Marion, Ohio

2019-06-19 · near Prospect, Marion, Ohio

Event narrative

Localized heavy rain moved over southern Marion County on the evening of June 19th starting around 630 PM. The rain peaked around 725 PM with rates measured around 2.5 inches per hour. Storm total rainfall over southern Marion County was between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, with higher amounts measured just south of the county line. This localized heavy rain resulted in flash flooding over the Village of Prospect, and moderate flooding on the Scioto River. The heavy rain caused ponded water up to 2 feet surrounding multiple homes in town. 16 Roads in Marion County flooded. The Scioto River was already in minor flooding, the result of multiple days of rain, when the heavy rain of the 19th pushed it into moderate flood. Two water rescues were conducted, one on Gearheiser Rd. with a semi submerged in about 4 1/2' of water. The second was on Marion Agosta Rd/Prospect Upper Sandusky Rd S. Battle Run, a tributary to the Scioto River on the south side of town was backed up from Battle Street to Park Street. Most of the flash flood impacts were located over the central part of town not typically floodprone due to its distance from the river. Areas impacted include East Street to 6th St, and Gustin Dr south to Park St.

Wider weather episode

An area of low pressure moved east along a stationary front across Indiana and Ohio on the evening of the 19th. A strong storm convective complex in Indiana moved southeast into central Ohio as a result. The airmass in advance of this system was very moist with precipitable water values around 1.75', supportive of torrential rainfall rates. Ground conditions in advance of this system were saturated due to recent rains earlier in the week of 1 to 3 inches across the county.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.4500, -83.1800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 839391. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.