kmaples posted on February 28, 2011 21:35
Rising floodwaters closed area roadways and school districts Monday after 2-3 inches of rain combined with rapid snowmelt to swell the Blanchard River and Eagle Creek.
The river is expected to crest at 17.0 feet this morning or afternoon, six feet above flood stage and just 1.5 feet shy of the record. Residents in the Spring Lake subdivision and apartment complexes on the city's south side were asked to evacuate.
The Red Cross has opened a shelter in the Agency on Aging building on East Melrose for flood victims.
Numerous roadways are submerged, including Main Street at Clinton Ct., one of the last roads connecting the north side to the south side, excluding Interstate 75.
Downtown business owners were making preparations once more as the National Weather Service is calling for the third worst flood in city history. Sandbags were stacked and pumps were running as business owners prepared for the worst.
Findlay City Schools are closed again today, Tuesday, March 1. All school buses have been moved to the high school parking lot as the district's bus garage became submerged.
**UPDATE** At last check, Central Middle School on W. Main Cross has pumps running and has sustained no interior damage.
**UPDATE** The Blanchard River in Findlay crested at 16.42 feet Tuesday morning. The river is not expected to fall below flood stage until Wednesday evening.
**UPDATE** Emergency officials are asking drivers to please follow road closures after several resecues were made last night and this morning.
**UPDATE** The National Weather service warned that more rain is on the way this weekend, which could cause the river to swell above flood level for a second time this week.
Check out our footage of local flooding in the video below. Stay connected with www.blueandgoldtoday.org for continuous flood updates.