BATAVIA, OHIO (April 2, 2025) – Forecasters are calling for severe weather in Greater Cincinnati over the next four days with the likelihood of historic amounts of rain and flooding as well as strong winds and tornadoes.

The first round is expected to hit overnight and continue through Sunday, April 6, with the expectation of rainfall totaling six to eight inches.

“Over the next few days, our region will receive an unprecedented amount of rain,” said Pam Haverkos, Clermont County’s Emergency Management Agency director. “Flash flooding will be a threat throughout the entire county and will lead to Ohio River flooding by next week.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service rated Clermont County at Level 3, or enhanced risk of severe weather. The most severe rating is 5.

“Enhanced risk is significant,” Haverkos added. “Damaging winds and tornadoes will happen. It is just a matter of where they occur and how severe they are.”

Kentucky Gov.  Andy Beshear on Wednesday declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms, activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond.

Boone County in Kentucky and Hamilton and Butler counties in Ohio are rated at Level 4, or moderate risk.

Haverkos is urging Clermont County residents who live near waterways to identify in advance multiple ways to evacuate their homes. She also recommends that residents near waterways move their vehicles to higher ground.

EMA officials are coordinating with other partner agencies and organizations to make sure they are prepared to respond to any disaster that may impact Clermont County, Haverkos said.

The Clermont County Engineer’s highway operations team stands ready to respond, whether to install high water signs to alert motorists to avoid certain areas or mobilize heavy equipment to remove debris from roadways.

Keep up with the latest forecast by visiting the following sites maintained by the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington: 

• http://www.weather.gov/iln/
• https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.WilmingtonOH.gov
• https://twitter.com/NWSILN

To receive alerts and warnings in Clermont County, visit: https://ema.clermontcountyohio.gov/emergency-notification/

Important Safety Reminders:

• Do not drive around road closure signs or into high water. It is dangerous and puts responders at risk.
• If you live near a creek or stream – move vehicles and other personal property outside of high-water areas (e.g. vehicles, campers, etc.) and secure personal property that cannot be moved (e.g. propane tanks, home fuel oil tanks, etc.)
• Prevent children from playing or walking near streams and creeks. Flood waters are fast moving and extremely dangerous.

For tips on how to prepare, visit: https://ema.clermontcountyohio.gov/preparedness/.