Original Post: 7/13/17 – 5:01 A.M.
Last Update: 7/15/17 – 7:55 P.M
We’re now in our third day of flooding in the area, but things are starting to improve in Hancock County. The Blanchard River crested in Findlay at just over 16.5 feet late Friday morning. That marks the fifth highest flood in Findlay’s history. The river is now in the moderate flood stage and continues to fall.
The latest forecast projects the river to leave moderate flood stage late tonight, and fully exit flood stage early Sunday morning.
To our west, the National Weather Service is now calling for the Blanchard to crest in Ottawa in the moderate flood stage at 27.5 feet this afternoon, and while the rise of the river is slowing down it is just slightly above that mark already. The forecast still calls for the river to exit flood stage in Ottawa by Monday morning.
With the water receding in Hancock County, several roads are opening back up. Things have improved enough that the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has canceled the level 2 road advisory. The city says Main Street and Sandusky are both open now. Many roads that were closed near Eagle and Lye Creeks reopened once the waterways dropped out of flood stage Friday. We have a list of affected roads below.
Of course with the water still rising in Putnam County many roads near waterways and in the village of Ottawa have been closed for the time being. Ottawa Mayor Dean Myer says homes and businesses have been impacted.
The Findlay call center closed earlier this morning and the Red Cross is closing the temporary shelter at 50 North at 5 p.m. Clean Up kits are available by calling the American Red Cross at 419-422-9322. The United Way’s 211 service is available for anyone who needs help with cleanup or wants to help in the cleanup effort.
HATS will be offering free bus rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday because of the flood. To schedule a trip call HATS at 419-423-7261 and follow the prompts.
The Findlay utility billing office was closed Friday because of the flooding. The due date for utility bills, originally Friday, has been extended to Monday.
The city will hold a cleanup event on Tuesday. You need to place flood damaged items by the curb by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning to have them picked up.
County Treasurer Steve Welton says his office is extending the time for you to pay your real estate taxes. The new deadline is July 18.
