Ohio Declared Emergency After Heavy Flooding

Governor Mike DeWine issued an emergency declaration for 19 counties following severe storms and flash flooding.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Current Conditions

Ohio Declared Emergency After Heavy Flooding

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Is your local area sufficiently prepared for recurring flooding and other extreme weather events?

Heavy rains over the September 19 weekend caused significant flooding at the Washington Square shopping plaza in Washington Township. Governor Mike DeWine officially declared a state of emergency for 19 Ohio counties, including Montgomery County, on September 22.

Why it matters

The emergency declaration allows the state to allocate resources to address infrastructure challenges and damage caused by the severe weather events. Drainage issues in bowl-shaped areas and debris accumulation continue to pose risks during heavy rainstorms.

Official government declarations now cover 19 counties in Ohio. This follows recent weather events that included both severe rainfall and earlier occurrences of over a foot of snow.

The players

Mike DeWine

Mike DeWine is the Governor of Ohio who issued the emergency declaration for 19 affected counties.

Dorothy Lane Market

Dorothy Lane Market is a local grocer that utilized hurricane-grade storm shields to protect its property from flood damage.

Washington Township fire and public works departments

These local municipal agencies are responsible for monitoring and reporting on infrastructure integrity during emergency events.

The details

At the Washington Square shopping plaza, intense water streams caused flooding that submerged car tires in the parking lot. While a car wash at the intersection of Whipp Road and Far Hills Avenue experienced drainage clogs from debris, the Dorothy Lane Market successfully protected its store and merchandise using hurricane-grade storm shields.

January 24-25, 2026: More than a foot of snow fell in the area.
Early February 2026: Record snowfalls melted, leading to initial parking lot flooding.
September 19-20, 2026: Heavy rain caused plaza and parking lot flooding.
September 22, 2026: Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency.

Seasonal Patterns

This emergency declaration follows the protocols established by the Ohio Revised Code to mobilize state resources after local infrastructure is overwhelmed by severe weather. The region has faced a cycle of extreme precipitation, moving from significant winter snowmelt to recent flash flooding events.

Residents in Montgomery County and surrounding areas should follow updates from local emergency management offices regarding infrastructure safety. Motorists are advised to avoid flooded parking lots or roads where debris may be obscuring active drainage systems.

The takeaway

Maintaining clear drainage systems is critical for preventing localized flooding in bowl-shaped infrastructure. Residents should ensure that property around their homes and businesses is free of debris to help manage rapid water runoff during future storms.