BATAVIA, OHIO (April 6, 2025) – The American Red Cross has opened its shelter on the lower level of the New Richmond Exempted Village Schools District office at 1135 Bethel-New Richmond Road. A pet shelter will also be available at the same site.

Heavy rainfall continued overnight Saturday with flash floods in low-lying areas across Clermont County and in Greater Cincinnati.

The Ohio River exceeded 58 feet in Cincinnati Sunday and is expected to crest at 60 feet. The Meldahl Dam gauge is expected crest at 54.10 ft. by Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington reported between 5 inches and 7 inches as of midday Sunday.

The following roads in Clermont County are closed due to flooding as of Sunday, April 6:

• Fagins Run Road at State Route 132 in Ohio Township
• Laurel Moscow Road at U.S. 52 in Moscow (Residents can access higher ground through the gates of the former Zimmer Power Plant.)
• State Route 232 at U.S. 52 in Point Pleasant
• State Route 756 at Dry Run Road near Washington Township
• Old U.S. 52 near Nine Mile-Tobasco Road in Pierce Township

Please use alternate routes and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

The following roads in Clermont County have reopened:

• Burdsall Road near the Brown County line
• Glancy Corner-Marathon Road between street numbers 5301 and 5186

Crews for Clermont County and local municipalities have staged emergency supplies, including pet food, water bowls, cots and bottled water, at New Richmond High School.

Clermont County Animal Shelter staff on Friday delivered dog food, portable kennels, water bowls and other supplies to New Richmond High School in preparation for Ohio River flooding.

“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.”

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 continues to monitor roadways and has been closing roads and installing high water signs to alert motorists to avoid certain areas. Crews also are on standby to mobilize heavy equipment to remove debris from roadways, as needed.

Keep up with the latest forecast by visiting the following sites maintained by the NWS 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/.