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Open-File Report 2009–1094

In Cooperation With the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Floods of August 21–24, 2007, in Northwestern and North-Central Ohio

By David E. Straub, Andrew D. Ebner, and Brian M. Astifan

ABSTRACT

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Heavy rains in northwestern and north-central Ohio on August 19–22, 2007, caused severe flooding and widespread damages to residential, public, and commercial structures in the communities of Bluffton, Bucyrus, Carey, Columbus Grove, Crestline, Findlay, Mansfield, Ottawa, and Shelby. On August 27, 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice of a Presidential declaration of a major disaster affecting Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot Counties as a result of the severe flooding. Rainfall totals for most of the flooded area were 3 to 5 in., with some locations reporting as much as 8 to 10 in. Three National Weather Service (NWS) gages in the area indicated a rainfall recurrence interval of greater than 1,000 years, and two indicated a recurrence interval between 500 and 1,000 years. Total damages are estimated at approximately $290 million, with 8,205 residences registering for financial assistance.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) computed flood recurrence intervals for peak streamflows at 22 streamgages and 8 ungaged sites in and around the area of major flooding. The peak streamflows at Sandusky River near Bucyrus streamgage and at seven of the eight ungaged sites had estimated recurrence intervals of greater than 500 years. The USGS located and surveyed 421 high-water marks and plotted high-water profiles for approximately 44.5 miles of streams throughout the nine communities.

First posted May 27, 2009

For additional information contact:
Director, Ohio Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
6480 Doubletree Avenue
Columbus, OH 43229-1111
http://oh.water.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Straub, D.E., Ebner, A.D., and Astifan, B.M., 2009, Floods of August 21–24, 2007, in northwestern and north-central Ohio: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009–1094, 76 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Meteorological Events Associated With the Flood

Antecedent Climatic Conditions

The Storm of August 19–22, 2007

General Description of the Floods

High-Water Marks

Flood Stages and Streamflows

Recurrence Intervals

Flood and Storm Damages Associated With FEMA–1720–DR

Summary

Acknowledgments

References Cited



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