Residents in Clermont County are buckling down as severe weather approaches Greater Cincinnati. Over the course of the next few days, the area is expected to be hit with what forecasters are predicting to be historic amounts of rain and potential flooding. Strong winds and tornadoes are on the table as well, as the first wave of the storm is slated to start overnight and rage through Sunday, April 6, depositing six to eight inches of rain.
Clermont County’s Emergency Management Agency director, Pam Haverkos, urged the community to prepare for flash flooding threats across the county rapidly. "Over the next few days, our region will receive an unprecedented amount of rain," Haverkos told Clermont County's news portal. The Ohio River is expected to follow suit with flooding by next week. The National Weather Service has placed Clermont County at Level 3, indicating an enhanced risk of severe weather, while neighboring Boone County in Kentucky and Hamilton and Butler counties in Ohio are at a more severe Level 4.
In response to the looming storm, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, putting the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard on standby. Haverkos emphasized the gravity of the situation, "Damaging winds and tornadoes will happen. It is just a matter of where they occur and how severe they are." According to the Clermont County’s news.
For those living near waterways, there's a call to action to plan evacuation routes meticulously and to relocate vehicles to higher ground. Haverkos also relayed that the Clermont County Engineer’s highway operations team is prepared to strategically place high water signs and mobilize heavy equipment to deal with road obstructions from debris. Residents are encouraged to keep abreast of the evolving forecasts and alerts through various channels, including the National Weather Service Office on Wilmington's website and social media accounts.
Officials have issued several safety reminders for the public: Do not attempt to circumnavigate road closures or drive into high water—these acts not only endanger the driver but also emergency responders. Residents near creeks or streams should move personal property out of high-water areas and secure items that can't be relocated, like propane tanks or home fuel oil tanks. The County also warns against allowing children near fast-moving floodwaters, which can be perilous.
