The rain has slowed for much of central Ohio on Sunday, but river levels remain high and more precipitation – including the possibility of snow – remains in the short-term forecast.
Roughly 3.5 inches of rain had fallen in Columbus by Sunday morning over the past 72 hours, according to the National Weather Service. In Franklin County, rain totals ranged from 1.57 inches in Grove City to just more than 4 inches in Upper Arlington. Galena saw the highest area rain total with 4.82 inches.
The rainfall has prompted flood watches, warnings, and advisories and shut down some 70 roads across Ohio as of late Friday afternoon.
The Scioto River floods Downtown on Sunday morning. Several roads were closed because of the heavy rainfall throughout the area, and more precipitation is expected this week.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, speaking with reporters on Friday, said that state agencies will be available to help with road closures, water rescues, and other services, but officials are not expecting to need the Ohio Army National Guard.
The rain prompted the activation of the Franklinton floodwall and installation of floodgates just before 1 p.m. Saturday on Greenlawn and Harmon avenues.
City officials say they expect Greenlawn Avenue, between Front Street and Harmon Avenue; the Interstate 71 ramps to Greenlawn; and Harmon Avenue, north of Frank Road, to remain closed through at least Sunday afternoon. By Sunday morning, the city had not provided an update to when they might reopen.
Upcoming forecast
Sunday: Showers before 10 a.m. with wind gusts as high as 24 mph. High temperatures near 43 degrees.
Sunday night: A slight chance of rain and show showers between midnight and 2 a.m. Low temperatures near 31 degrees.
Monday: Chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny with high near 54 degrees.
Monday night: Slight chance of rain before 11 p.m. with a slight chance of snow between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low temperatures expected to be 24 degrees.
Tuesday: Sunny with a high near 43 degrees.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus weather: Rains leave flooding in central Ohio. Snow next?
