Flooding reported in Village of Greenfield following Saturday storms
Greenfield Police Officers Quinton Smith and Kyle Flora respond to a call during flooding in the village. (Photo by Jennifer Storer/Courtesy of Greenfield PD)
Village and county agencies have been responding to the scene of flooded residences in the Village of Greenfield following heavy rainfall Saturday, May 4.
According to a Facebook post by Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin, “17 families, approximately 40 individuals, are displaced” due to the floods.
“We are so thankful no one was injured, and we are so grateful for those who showed up to help through this event,” Wilkin wrote. “As the cleanup starts, please keep an eye out for your neighbors and check in on them. This will take time and hard work to move these families back into their homes.”
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in Highland and Adams counties until May 5 at 5 a.m. As of Saturday at 8:41 p.m., the NWS reported that between 2.5 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen in parts of Highland and Adams counties.
“Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard,” according to the National Weather Service. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.
“People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water.
“A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters."
Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District is reporting “multiple flooded roads” and is urging caution while driving in the area.
Highland County EMA and Paint Creek crews were among the agencies responding to flooding at an apartment complex Saturday, while the Greenfield Police Department shared photos of officers responding to a call in water above their knees.
According to Wilkin, the village is seeking information on flood damage to give to Highland County EMA.
“If you have damage to your property, business or vehicle, please send us the information,” Wilkin wrote. “EMA is tracking the damage and working with us through the next steps.”
The Greenfield Police Department also told The Highland County Press that residents needing "assistance with the flooding or damages" should contact the Highland County EMA.
The village can be reached at (937) 981-3500 or citymanager@greenfieldohio.net.
Highland County EMA may be contacted at (937) 393-5880.
To report flash flooding to the NWS if and when it is safe to do so, go to weather.gov/iln.
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