Heavy Rain Prompts March 3 to 6 Flood Warnings in Vinton County

The National Weather Service issued Flood Warnings early March 6 for a portion of southeast Ohio, naming Athens, Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, Vinton and Washington counties and saying, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues." The March 6 product, time stamped 4:38 AM EST, put the warning in effect until 11:00 AM EST that morning and listed imminent impacts to rivers, creeks and low-lying locations.

The alert followed an Areal Flood Watch issued March 3 that covered parts of southeast Ohio, including Vinton County, and was originally effective through the afternoon of March 4. Forecasters had warned the rain threat earlier, saying, "The National Weather Service said one to two inches of rain is expected and isolated flash flooding is also possible through Wednesday afternoon," and later noted that "Moderate to heavy rainfall from last night has left soils vulnerable to significant runoff with any additional rainfall."

By midday March 6 several roads were reported closed due to high water, reflecting the transition from watch to warning. At 12:48 PM EST, multiple closures were recorded, including a section of Highway 50 just east of McCarthur and State Routes 160 and 349 near Hamden in Vinton County. In Meigs County, portions of State Routes 143 and 124 were also closed. Forecasters listed towns at risk or already experiencing flooding that include Wellston, McArthur, Albany, Racine, Coolville, Rutland, New Haven, Middleport, Chester, Hamden, Syracuse and Coalton.

The warnings highlighted specific waterways and roadside hazards. Forecasters noted, "This includes the Shade River near Chester which is currently in minor flood," and cautioned that "Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable." The National Weather Service added, "In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route."

Public-safety messaging emphasized the human risk as rain continued to run off saturated soils. Officials reiterated standard guidance that "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles" and advised motorists to follow the advice to "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads." The National Weather Service asked people to report flooding when it can be done safely by calling toll free, 800 401 9535.

With flood warnings active into the morning and afternoon hours of March 6, communities from McArthur to Hamden face interrupted travel and increased risk to low-lying properties. Emergency and road crews will be monitoring creeks and state routes as runoff evolves, and forecasters warned that additional rainfall on already saturated ground can quickly push creeks and streams out of their banks.