(Toledo, OH) Steady rain is falling on northwest Ohio, bringing along the threat of flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through tomorrow night for the entire region. Forecasts are calling for up to three inches of rain by Saturday morning, causing water levels to rise on rivers and streams.
Findlay residents are preparing for the first flood of the year. Hancock County officials say the Blanchard River will reach minor flood stage as steady rain soaks the region. Low-lying areas along the river and the Eagle Creek area are expected to see the worst flooding, with some roads blocked by high water.
Findlay and Ottawa officials are offering free sandbags already to help residents prepare in flood-prone areas along the Blanchard River and Eagle Creek in Hancock and Putnam Counties. A long-term plan to address flooding in the downtown area of the Flag City is finally moving forward after years of debate.
In Toledo, portable pumps are being moved to neighborhoods that know high water all too well. For years now, city leaders have offered Toledo homeowners financial help with fixing basement drains.