RIVER SWELLS 10 FEET IN TWO DAYS
Water level climbs nearly 10 feet in some spots over two days.
The Great Miami River rose nearly 10 feet in some areas after nearly 5 inches of rain fell in the Miami Valley over 48 hours, according to the Miami Conservancy District.
Between Hamilton and Dayton, the river rose between 6.5 and nearly 10 feet.
The MCD flood protection system, which includes dams and levees, is working to prevent floodwaters from impacting downtown areas along the river from Piqua to Hamilton.
All five of the district’s dams are temporarily storing floodwater. Storage at four of the dams, Germantown, Lockington, Taylorsville and Huffman, has peaked.
It is expected to peak at Englewood today.
Storage starts when the water level rises near the top of the conduits at the dams, according to MCD.
River levels in all the protected cities are beginning to recede, though. The MCD staff is continuing to monitor river levels and will take action as necessary.
Staff closed storm sewer floodgates in West Carrollton, Middletown and Hamilton. Floodgates at the end of storm sewers are typically open. They are closed to prevent the rising river from backing up into the storm sewer and into cities.
The rainy weather will likely continue through Friday, the National Weather Service reported. Rain is expected today before 2 p.m., though storms are unlikely. Tonight, the chance of rain will go down and the skies will be mostly cloudy. Temperatures will range from the mid-60s to the mid-50s.
Friday, there are more chances of showers. Thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon. The evening is expected to be cloudy. Temperatures will be warmer, with highs in the mid-70s and lows around the upper 50s.
The rain will let up Saturday and we will see partly sunny skies and high temperatures in the lower 80s. Clouds return in the evening with temps in the mid-60s.