CLEVELAND, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A flood watch is in effect for a significant portion of northern Ohio, spanning north-central, northeast, and northwest regions, from 8 p.m. EDT Friday through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.   

The watch indicates that flash flooding is possible due to excessive rainfall.   

Affected counties include:

  • North Central Ohio: Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Knox, Lorain, Marion, Morrow, and Richland.     
  • Northeast Ohio: Cuyahoga, Holmes, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Wayne.
  • Northwest Ohio: Hancock, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, and Wyandot.

The primary concern is the potential for excessive runoff, which could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas. Poor drainage and urban areas are also at risk. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.

A round of showers and storms earlier in the day brought between 0.50 and 1.50 inches of rain, causing some nuisance flooding. Additional rounds of moderate to heavy rain are expected from Friday evening through Sunday, with total rainfall amounts potentially reaching 4 to 6 inches.

The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.