Heavy Rains, Melting Snow Cause Flooding

Updated 9:55 p.m.

The overnight thunderstorms and heavy rain may be gone, but their effects are lingering into Monday.

Avon's reported spots of flooding around the city Monday afternoon, including  Candlewood Road, Avon Road, Ithaca Drive, Reigelsberger Road at the bridge, Emory Drive, Centennial Avenue, Long Road, South Fall Lake Drive and Applewood Court.  There are also reports of flooding on Jaycox near Schwartz Road and south from there, with the athletic fields at Schwartz Road Park flooded. There was also flooding reported in the Fairway development, and Lear Road at Chester Road.

Avon said at Monday's City Council meeting that a duck swam across the street in front of him while he was driving on Sandy Lane.

sent a message to parents that students in the Red Tail and Summerhill Developments, and any other neighborhoods that may be affected by flooding, would be asked to not get on the buses and remain at school. If a student could not be dropped off because the buses can't reach their stop, they will be brought back to their school for the parents to pick up.

Do not attempt to drive through a flooded stretch of road.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a flood warning for Lorain County that was extended until noon on Tuesday. Close to two inches of rain fell on the area overnight and that, combined with melting snow, has caused flooding in areas. 

Lorain County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency in the county Monday afternoon. North Ridgeville, Lorain and Carlisle Township appear to have been hit the hardest.

Some parks or trails are closed because of flooding. At the Black River Reservation, the Bur Oak picnic area, Bridgeway trail and Steel Mill trail are closed. Some trails are closed at the Columbia Reservation. The Short Loop trail at the Carlisle Visitors Center is also closed.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is closed Monday because of flooding.

More than a half-dozen schools or school districts in Lorain County were closed Monday, including North Ridgeville.

And if you do have flooding in your basement, the Lorain County Board of Health has a factsheet to help you with basement cleanup.