PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH – Rising floodwaters are posing a serious threat to homeowners in northwestern Pickaway County, particularly in the Clark Lakes housing development, where several homes are experiencing significant flooding. With more precipitation expected in the coming days, some families may face displacement as conditions worsen. A fire was caused earlier today on the 23000 Block fo Bolender Pontious road after flooding had taken over a basement causing electrical connections to fail and fill the house with smoke.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has issued a flood warning for parts of Fairfield County, urging residents to remain vigilant as waterways continue to swell.
Meanwhile, Ohio Task Force 1 (OH-TF1) has been activated in response to heavy flooding impacting Kentucky and surrounding states. The task force was mobilized Saturday evening as a Type III team and remains in a state of readiness at its Vandalia headquarters, prepared to deploy as needed.
“A powerful storm is bringing life-threatening flooding to the eastern half of the United States this weekend,” according to a statement from the National Weather Service. Heavy rains have already triggered significant flooding in southwestern Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, with dozens of rivers and streams expected to reach moderate to major flood levels by early next week.
Task Force Leader Jim O’Connor will oversee the mission, with 47 team members, including a specialized water rescue team, on standby for deployment. Additionally, Task Force Leader John Kaminski has been activated as part of the Red Incident Support Team (IST) heading to Cincinnati to assist in coordination efforts.
Ohio’s activation follows Indiana Task Force 1’s earlier deployment as a Type III task force.
Public Information Officer Chris O’Connor has invited media to the OH-TF1 warehouse in Vandalia on Sunday, February 16, between 8 and 10 a.m., for further updates. For media inquiries, O’Connor can be reached at (614) 774-5425.
As flooding concerns grow in Ohio, emergency officials urge residents in flood-prone areas to stay informed, prepare for potential evacuations, and avoid traveling through high-water areas.
