Butler County communities cleaning up after heavy rain, storms

UPDATE @ 2:15 p.m.:

In Middletown, the Great Miami River overflowed its banks Wednesday afternoon, impacting some businesses and residents and closing the bike path.

But Scott Tadych, Middletown’s public works and utilities director, and officials from the Middletown Division of Fire said they were unaware of any flooding issues in the city as a result of the heavy rains.

Residents who are having emergency issues due to the recent rains can also contact the Butler County Emergency Management Agency at 513-785-5810.

Credit: ED RICHTER/STAFF

Credit: ED RICHTER/STAFF

Hamilton saw some flooding, according to Jacob Stone from the city’s Resident Services Department.

“We did have two pretty significant flooding incidents. There was isolated flooding in many little pockets throughout the community. But for the most part it rained and flooded up a little bit and immediately went down,” he said, adding that areas like Millville were hit harder.

“My brother lives (in Millville) and said he has water up to his front door,” Stone said.

Hamilton employees were starting to clean up debris Wednesday following the two days of inclement weather.

“I think the biggest thing that we are working on today is that there were some large pieces of debris that found their way into a creek over on the west side,” Stone said. “I think a large limb from a tree fell into the creek and we are trying to get that pulled out so it doesn’t affect any future flow.”

UPDATE @ 1 p.m.:

Gusty winds will continue this afternoon. Sustained winds of 15  to 30 mph with gusts from 35 to 45 mph are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

UPDATE @ 11:15 a.m.:

At 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Great Miami River’s stage was at 13.1 feet and the flood stage is 14 feet.

The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday evening and continue to rise to near 14.3 feet. Then the river will fall below flood stage by late Thursday morning.

Flood Warning was issued for the region until 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

INITIAL REPORT:

Butler County dispatchers were busy yesterday after heavy rains and strong storms overnight moved through the area.

A dispatcher told the Journal-News the phones were “ringing off the hook” yesterday from people with flooded basements and other issues.

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Drivers should be careful as high water can be found throughout the county, especially in Fairfield, Hamilton, Middletown and Oxford.

Temporary road closure signs may be blown down in today’s windy conditions, so commuters are urged to use caution and be aware of lingering high water and ponding in low spots of roadways.

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