WEATHER

Cincinnati flooding: NWS predicts river to reach 60 feet, Sharonville warns of potential evacuation

A shed in California is under water due to flooding along the Ohio River. Many residents on Panama Street are helping each other get their belongings to high ground. Many roads are closed due to flooding of the Ohio River which isn't supposed to crest until Tuesday at around 59 feet, the highest since 1997.

For Sunday's flood updates, click here:Cincinnati flooding: A day of record rainfall worsens road flooding, prompts water rescues

Editor's note: More up-to-date reporting is found above.

Update, 12:25 a.m. Sunday: The National Weather Service is predicting the Ohio River will reach 60 feet in Cincinnati by Sunday morning.

This is after the service had previously predicted a 59.5-foot crest by Monday morning. Forecasters also issued a flash flood warning for Cincinnati, Covington and Florence Saturday night. The Warning will stay in effect until 4:30 a.m.

Kenton, Campbell, Boone, Gallatin and Carroll counties in Kentucky were included in the warning. Hamilton County was also included.

The City of Sharonville also announced around 11:50 p.m. the retention dam intended to stem flooding could flood, leading potentially to a mandatory evacuation.

Parts of Clermont County are under a flood warning set to expire at 4:30 a.m. A flash flood warning including Mason, Lebanon and Springboro will continue until 4:45 a.m.

On Saturday afternoon Gov. John Kasich issued an emergency declaration for 17 Ohio counties in response to flooding. 

The declaration activated the Ohio National Guard to assist community responses to flooding. Preparation efforts included deploying troops in response to local requests to help install floodgates along floodwalls.

The impacted Ohio counties are: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Clermont, Columbiana, Gallia, Hamilton, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Monroe, Meigs, Muskingum, Scioto and Washington.

"As the weather and flooding is expected to get worse, we're staying ahead of things by taking our readiness up to the next level and declaring an emergency where we expect the worst conditions," Kasich said in a news release. "We'll quickly add to those areas as it’s needed."

Also on Saturday afternoon, Dearborn County officials announced an "orange level" travel advisory, meaning only essential travel is recommended and conditions are threatening to public safety.

Dearborn County Emergency Management Director Jason Sullivan said in a news release, "only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations."

Next up for flood-worried Greater Cincinnati residents: Severe weather late Saturday and early Sunday.

Following showers expected throughout the day Saturday, thunderstorms are forecast to roll in around 9 p.m., the National Weather Service says.

Severe weather — including strong, damaging winds and very heavy rain — is most likely to hit between midnight and 7 a.m. Sunday, the weather service forecasts.

“An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out,” the agency said in a special weather statement issued Saturday morning.

New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible around the region.

"Excessive rainfall will cause local rivers, creeks, and streams to rise," a weather advisory issued Saturday morning states. "Those near streams and rivers should be especially cautious as streams and rivers can rise quickly."

At 4:15 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Little Miami River at Kings Mills and at Milford, the Great Miami River near Middletown and Ohio Brush Creek above West Union.

Forecasters said the Little Miami River at Kings Mills will rise above flood stage by early Sunday morning and continue to rise to near 17.9 feet by Sunday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Sunday morning.

"At stages near 17 feet, flooding of lowland areas occurs from South Lebanon to Foster," the weather service said in a news release. "Portions of Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road also flood."

Kristen Cassady, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, said the lack of vegetation this time of year is contributing to the Ohio River's rise.

“The vegetation that we would have in the spring and summer usually would help soak up some of the water from the ground,” Cassady said. “So now we’re having a lot of rainfall that is just being converted to run-off with the ground being so saturated.”

She explained tonight's expected severe weather this way: A warm front moving into the area could collide with a cold front traveling through early tomorrow. This would produce severe thunderstorms – and possibly a tornado.

“It appears rather unlikely at this point, but we’re not able to rule that out,” she said. “Essentially, it’s a very dynamic situation, where we could see some of the strong winds aloft possibly making their way down to the surface.”

Cassady said that things will be drier the first part of the week, but motorists need to remain vigilant about water on the road.

“If you are experiencing standing water, high water, do not try to travel through it,” she said. “It could be higher than you think.”

Here is the latest on flooding at two area rivers:

The Ohio River at Cincinnati: The Ohio River was measured at 58.24 feet at 12:17 a.m. Sunday. Flood stage begins at 52 feet.

That means moderate flooding is occurring and is expected to continue until the river peaks at about 60 feet early Sunday. The river then will begin falling, but remain above flood stage for the next five days, according to the weather service.

As a result, a flood warning for the river remains in place until further notice.

The Great Miami River: A flood warning is in effect at Miamitown. Measured at 17.18 feet at 12:18 a.m. Sunday. The river should remain above flood stage until Wednesday morning.

Many roads are closed due to flooding of the Ohio River which isn't supposed to crest until Tuesday at around 59 feet, the highest since 1997. This is along Panama Street in California.

Earlier story:

Between Sunday morning and Monday morning, the Ohio River is predicted to rise two feet, according to the National Weather Service. The development prompted several states of emergency to be declared Friday evening.

Friday afternoon, the river was at 57.3 feet. It's expected to stay near that level until Sunday morning when it will begin to quickly swell.

Covington and Kenton County declared a state of emergency Friday evening due to the flooding. The declaration allows city and county officials to take any step needed to protect citizens.

Covington Mayor Joe Meyer and Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris A. Knochelmann said the declaration was a precautionary measure. Declaring an emergency will allow access to Federal Emergency Management Agency aid if needed.

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin Friday evening declared a statewide state of emergency in response to "continued heavy rainfall events which have caused widespread flooding and damage to critical infrastructure across Kentucky."

The move allowed state resources to be mobilized and made ready to assist Kentucky's cities and counties.

Search and rescue teams were placed on standby around the state and the National Guard is preparing for flood response activities, according to a news release from Bevin's office.

Additionally, the Kentucky Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center on Thursday.

A truck drives through high water on Kellogg.

Dearborn County commissioners Friday evening issued a disaster declaration due to flooding, according to Emergency Management Director Jason Sullivan. 

Some residents in the Cincinnati neighborhood of California and in the Village of New Richmond have already begun to evacuate or move valuables out of their homes and businesses. People were also being evacuated in Silver Grove, Melbourne, California and Mentor, in Kentucky.

The Red Cross is operating three emergency shelters:

  • Alexandria: Community Center at 8236 W. Main St. had 21 residents seeking shelter as of 3 p.m. Saturday
  • (Closed due to lack of use) Lawrenceburg.: Lawrenceburg High School at 300 Tiger Blvd. Responders remain on standby.
  • Clermont County: New Richmond High School at 1131 Bethel-New Richmond Road.

Forecasters predict the river will then stay about 59 feet until at least Wednesday.

The surge in river depth follows an expected three to five inches of rain expected to fall in the area between Friday and Sunday, the national weather service said.

In the past 20 years, the river has only risen above 56 feet twice. Once in March 2015 when it hit 57.7 feet and once in January 2005 when it hit 56.7.

When the river goes over 59 feet:

  • Basements and the first level of structures along parts of the Little Miami River will be impacted due to backwater flooding.
  • Water will surround homes between Ohio 52 and the river in East End, California and Anderson Township.
  • Homes and businesses near Little Miami and 9 Mile Creek will see flooding.
  • Much of Ohio 52 and Old Ohio 52 will be flooded. Indiana 56 and Ky. 8 will see high water.
  • Bromley and Ludlow in Kentucky could see flooding, especially in basements and low lying areas.
  • Streets will be flooded in East End, California, New Richmond, Anderson and Pierce Townships.
  • Roads in Indiana near Lawrenceburg and Aurora could be flooded.

The Great Miami River at Miamitown is expected to break its flood stage late Saturday.

That river is predicted to rise nearly eight feet in about 18 hours cresting at 23.7 feet Sunday afternoon. Flooding could affect homes and businesses along the river from New Baltimore to Cleves.

More:With an eye on the rising water, Greater Cincinnati's river communities think of '97

The forecast

Saturday: Possible thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon and evening with heavy rain. The temperature is expected to reach a high 56 and a low of 52.

Sunday: Rain showers are expected early with a high temperature near 55 and low near 34.

Monday: Sunny with a high near 56 and low around 33.

More:Montgomery Inn, others, forced to shut down as Ohio River flood waters rise

More:24 floodgates protect Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. These 10 currently are closed.

More:Ohio River flood: Man dives in

More:Why does the Ohio River flood when it's not raining?

Communities prepare

With the National Weather Service issuing a flood warning, The Village of New Richmond and Pierce Township both declared states of emergency as they prepare for more flooding.

In Anderson Township, New Richmond, and elsewhere they are keeping a close eye on the river.

“In order to reduce congestion for motorists traveling from or through Anderson to downtown Cincinnati, sheriff’s officers have been assisting with traffic flow along Clough and Beechmont,” Anderson Township Administrator Vicky Earhart said. “At our request, ODOT temporarily altered the signal timing at Clough and Ohio 32 to reduce backups along Clough during morning rush hour. 

“Sheriff’s officers also coordinated with the Cincinnati Police Department to adjust signals along Beechmont to facility evening rush hour traffic.”

More:Take the news with you. Download the Cincinnati.com app.

The rising river is attracting curious people to its edge for an up-close view. New Richmond Village Administrator Greg Roberts asked people to resist this urge and instead monitor local news outlets for photographs, videos, and updates on river status.

“Residents and businesses in the potential flood areas are in the process of moving belongings to higher ground,” he said. “As road access becomes limited and congested this slows the process and can create a dangerous situation for residents and visitors."

In conjunction with Clermont County Emergency Management Agency an Emergency Operations Center is being established at New Richmond Middle School on Bethel New Richmond Road, Roberts said. The Red Cross is ready to establish an emergency shelter at New Richmond High School should it be necessary.

All of Cincinnati's riverfront parks were closed Friday and will remain so until waters begin to recede. These include the western portion of Smale Park, Yeatman's Cove, Sawyer Point, California Woods and Magrish Preserve. 

Flooding has pushed families out of their homes in southern Campbell County’s Ohio River communities.

New Richmond residents anxiously monitor the high water marker in the Ohio River ahead of the flooding.

People are being evacuated from 46 trailers in Silver Grove, Melbourne, California and Mentor, said William Ray Turner, director of Campbell County Office of Emergency Management.

A shelter will open at 3 p.m. today at Alexandria Community Center, 8236 W. Main St. The shelter is next to Alexandria’s city building and near the intersection of U.S. 27 and Main Street.

Anyone displaced by flooding anywhere is welcome at the shelter. The American Red Cross and Campbell County are operating the shelter together.

More:Rabbit Hash prepares for floodwaters: 'It just leaves one hell of a mess'

Don’t forget to bring your emergency supply kit and medications, Turner said.

Find a place to keep your pets besides the shelter if possible. Service animals are allowed at the shelter.

If needed, Campbell County Animal Shelter at 1989 Poplar Ridge Road, Melbourne, will keep pets. Call the animal shelter at 859-635-2819.

Duke Energy in conjunction with emergency services personnel is available to shut off utilities at individual properties on an as-needed basis. There are no plans to shut off entire sections of the village at this time.

Here are tips from Duke Energy:

  • If rising water threatens your home – or if you evacuate your home due to flooding – turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box
  • Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical lines
  • Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed electrical lines.Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface
  • If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.

Here are tips from Clermont County for those who may need to evacuate:

  • Have a plan to gather your family and pets
  • Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood
  • Pack a change of clothes along with a blanket or sleeping bag for each person
  • Don't forget special items for babies or those with special needs
  • Don't forget your medications, important documents, identification, proof of residency and your insurance documents
  • Bring extra car keys, credit cards, cash and a favorite game or book
  • If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving
  • Post a note telling when you left and where you are going; include a contact phone number.