Portsmouth, OH – September 30, 2024 – In response to destructive high winds and flash flooding that ravaged Scioto County on Friday, the Board of Scioto County Commissioners has called a special meeting for 9:30 a.m. today to declare a Local State of Emergency.
The severe weather event left over 12,000 AEP customers without power as powerful winds downed numerous trees and power lines, obstructing roadways across the region. Urban flooding was particularly devastating in Portsmouth and New Boston, where many homes were damaged, especially in their basements.
First responders conducted multiple water rescues, helping individuals trapped in vehicles and homes by the rising floodwaters. The Commissioners hope that today’s resolution will enable them to tap into state resources and funding to facilitate cleanup and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Scioto County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is actively assessing damages and encourages residents to report their losses via a damage reporting form available on their Facebook page at Scioto EMA Facebook. Scioto EMA Director Larry Mullins emphasized the importance of documenting damage to qualify for state funds, stating, “To access financial assistance, we need to meet specific requirements and a monetary threshold, so we urge the community to report as much damage as possible.”
In a show of community support, the Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross will distribute cleanup kits and water today at 10:30 a.m. from the parking lot behind the Scioto County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at 729 7th Street, Portsmouth. Supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.
