Columbus region flooding force evacuations, road closures

Flash flooding in the Columbus region on on Thursday led some areas to evacuate, caused some road to become impassible and and forced a carnival to shut down, according to local media.

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“A very moist atmosphere allowed for downpours and thunderstorms to produce flooding rains in areas like Columbus,” said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini. “The Miami Valley also dealt with flash flooding as cities like Springfield and Wilmington picked up more than 2.5 inches of rain. Locally, Miami Valley river stages are below flood levels, but that's not the case for central Ohio. As the water recedes with help from some dry time this weekend please be safe in area creeks and streams that may still be dangerous.”

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Flash flooding led the Pataskla, located a little over 20 miles outside of Columbus, to start mandatory evacuations on Thursday, WCMH reported.

High waters forced mobile home park residents of to seek shelter elsewhere, according to the television station.

On Friday, WCMH reported flooding in some areas had receded, but left debris behind. However some roadways, such as ramp from Interstate 70 east to State Route 29 were still flooded.

WSYX reports there were four water rescues in Licking County on Thursday: Harrison Township, Bowling Green Township, Hebron and at a small trailer park in Pataskala. The television station reports an estimated 50 homes in Greenbriar Village mobile park were impacted by heavy rain.

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