12-07-2025
Officials warn drivers about isolated flooding
Deaths from recent flash floods across the country have caught people's attention.
Floods in Kerr County, Texas have killed around 100 people.
Other flash floods have impacted communities in North Carolina, New Mexico and Vermont.
Some regions closer to Ashtabula County have also been hit with flash flooding.
Hocking Hills State Park had to close off trails at the beginning of the month after flash flooding, according to the park's social media.
In June, Ohio and Wheeling counties in West Virginia dealt with flash flooding that killed six people.
Ashtabula County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Fitchet said Ashtabula County is flatter, so there is less chance of standing water to build up or for gravity to pull water down onto low lying areas.
'We get isolated flooding,' he said.
Rain in the county also has an easy time draining into Lake Erie, Fitchet said.
'A lot of this water has a place to go,' he said.
Much of the county's isolated flooding occurs at various underpasses in Geneva, Conneaut and Ashtabula, he said.
Ashtabula Fire Captain John Paul said flooding in the city is generally concentrated around the Main Avenue, Center Street and Lake Avenue underpasses.
'There's a moderate risk, especially the underpasses,' he said.
The fire department typically responds to cars stuck in water when heavy rain events occur, Paul said.
Both Paul and Fitchet had similar things to say about what to be aware of when driving during heavy raining.
'There's a saying, 'turn around, don't drown,'' Paul said.
Fitchet said people should not drive on flooded roads, where they are not sure how deep the water is.
'In those cases, people just need to turn around,' Fitchet said.
Paul said people should watch for downed power lines during heavy rain, especially if the lines fall into standing water.
Fitchet said there are many apps and services county residents can use to keep and eye on the weather, and be informed of emergency situations.
People can sign up for ReadyAlert, which will send notifications to their phone about local weather events like flooding or tornados, by going to the county's website or the EMA's Facebook page, he said.
People can also download OHGO, an app from the Ohio Department of Transportation, which shows cameras from ODOT highways, Fitchet said.
'It's a good tool,' he said.
Fitchet also recommended people download a weather notification app from the National Weather Service or a local news station.
