Heavy Rain Causes Widespread Flooding Across Mercer County

Mercer County Emergency Management Agency officials are urging residents to remain cautious following several rounds of heavy rain that caused flooded roads and overwhelmed local drainage systems.

Cassidy Freeman with Mercer County EMA said the office near the Mercer County Fairgrounds recorded a little more than two inches of rain Wednesday, followed by three inches Thursday and another two-tenths of an inch overnight. Some locations may have received more than seven inches altogether.

Freeman said flooding developed quickly because the county entered the storms with saturated ground. She said the area received approximately nine inches of rain during August, leaving little room for the soil to absorb additional water.

Grand Lake is serving as a collection point for runoff entering from surrounding creeks. As the lake level rises, water moves over the spillway and west through Beaver Creek and other waterways. That means flooding may continue affecting western Mercer County even after rain ends.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions, prepare sandbags, move valuables out of basements, check sump pumps and have an evacuation plan ready. Freeman said unfilled sandbags are available through the Mercer County EMA office, although residents must provide their own sand.

Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Freeman warned that approximately six inches of moving water can affect a vehicle’s tires and steering. Floodwater may also conceal damage or washouts beneath the roadway.

Residents who discover water covering an unmarked road may report it through the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 419-586-7724.

Freeman said road conditions are being reassessed regularly because water levels can change quickly. Residents should respect barricades and find another route whenever water covers a roadway.

Once conditions improve, Mercer County officials will use information from the flooding as they work with Van Wert County on an updated hazard-mitigation plan.