Is Findlay Set for Another Flood?

Checking the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service tonite, they show a forecasted river level of 15 feet for the Blanchard Valley River in Findlay by 7 PM Thursday February 7th! The record level is near 18.5 which drew national attention in 2007 for the flood which literally cut the town in half. Many residents are bracing for the return of the water and some local businesses are moving to higher ground already.

The Courier, our local newspaper is covering the weather and the flood status in detail and are my local news outlet of choice regarding flooding. They currently are providing a useful breakdown of the actions already being taken to prepare for the rising waters.

Barker said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has rescue boats on standby, which proved to be a key component in helping residents during the August flood.
“Once the river level reaches flood stage, we feel we probably have about three hours or so before it goes up to 14.2 feet,” Barker said Tuesday night. “If water gets to Main Street we’ll probably get water from Clinton Court up to the bridge there and it will virtually divide the city.”
City police were placing cruisers at all city fire stations in case the floodwaters do split the city in half, which is what happened in August when the river crested at a record 18.5 feet.
Findlay fire officials planned to meet at 6 a.m. Wednesday to discuss flood preparations, and Barker said city officials planned to meet at 7 a.m. to assess the flood situation and possible damage.
“Everybody is on an on-call type basis,” Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman told The Courier on Tuesday night. “When the river reaches flood stage, (city officials) will call the captain and I at home and we’ll start watching what we’re going to be doing as well.”

If the waters continue to rise I will try to provide some firsthand information as I can as well as pictures. You can follow my Twitter Feed for the most up to date info.