EMA provides update to flood watch

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Right now flood watches and warnings are in effect for several area counties.

Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Jadwin said the department is actively monitoring the National Weather Service to keep track of the potential threat. If they believe there will be flooding residents will be contacted.

“We’ll send out notices as we get them, but the notices are kind of vague because the weather service doesn’t know what to expect. So the river is up. There are places that the river is out of its banks. Right now I just spoke with ODOT and the Highway Department and we have no state routes or county roads closed right now, but that could change at a moment’s notice with the rain.”

In the meantime, Jadwin said residents — especially those on the river — need to be cautious and prepared. He said residents need to pay attention to updates from his department and media outlets.

“So therefore we just want everyone to be prepared. You know, get your valuables up off the floor if you live close to the river or areas that flood. Be prepared to leave your homes. You know, we’re not going to order evacuations because people don’t normally heed those anyways. So, you know, you’ve got to use your own best judgment.”

If residents do have to evacuate because of flooding, the Red Cross is prepared to open warming centers to assist those that are displaced.