CROOKSVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine toured storm-damaged areas in Perry, Muskingum, and Franklin counties Wednesday after severe weather brought flooding, wind damage, evacuations, and widespread power outages across the state.
DeWine visited displaced residents in Perry and Muskingum counties and viewed damage by helicopter after storms dropped six to seven inches of rain in the area. The governor declared a state of emergency in Perry and Muskingum counties Tuesday afternoon after flooding damaged roads, homes, businesses, and other infrastructure.
“These are resilient communities, and they will come back from this,” DeWine said. “The next step is to conduct assessments to determine the extent of the damage across Perry, Muskingum, and the other Ohio counties impacted by flooding and wind damage.”
The storm system has already turned deadly. A resident in Roseville died during a medical emergency after floodwaters blocked first responders from reaching the person, according to state reporting. Roseville and Crooksville were among the communities hit hard enough to trigger evacuation efforts and state rescue assistance.
DeWine also toured Franklin County, where straight-line winds caused damage. The statewide power outage total was listed at 171,575 customers as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
State agencies remain involved in the response. Members of the Ohio National Guard, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Ohio State Highway Patrol are assisting local authorities, while the Ohio Emergency Management Agency continues working with county and state partners.
The National Weather Service said the danger is not over.
Flood watches remained in effect Thursday for parts of Ohio, including Scioto County, through Friday morning. The Weather Service warned that additional storms could move across the area later Thursday, with the heaviest rain threat expected Thursday night into early Friday. Repeated storms over the same areas could increase the risk of flash flooding.
The watch area includes Portsmouth, Wheelersburg, Waverly, Piketon, Chillicothe, Franklin County, Pike County, Ross County, and Scioto County.
In southeast Ohio, a flood watch also remained in effect for areas including Perry, Morgan, Athens, Washington, Jackson, Vinton, Meigs, Gallia, and Lawrence counties. The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for the Hocking River at Athens, where minor flooding was forecast.
DeWine urged Ohioans to remain alert and avoid driving through high water.
“Ohioans should continue to remain vigilant and take all weather warnings seriously,” DeWine said. “The National Weather Service is forecasting more storms throughout Ohio tonight that could cause flash flooding. If you encounter high water, please do not attempt to cross it.”
Officials continue to assess damage as communities begin cleanup and recovery.