EMA Flood Alert

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Emergency Management Agency Director, Jeff Jadwin, told us which county roads were already facing high waters. East Athens Road, Elks Run, Cannelville, and Lambert Road. Flood gates are up in Roseville to keep the Moxahala Creek from coming down into the Village. Frazeysburg is also looking at flooding. Jadwin explained the factors generating the high waters.

“With the ground saturated the way it is, this rain, however much we get, is going to be running off filling the creeks, filling the river. Still got some room in the river for water, but if we get three inches like some of them are saying we’re going to get, I’m sure the Muskingum River is going to come out of its banks also,” he said.

The rain has caused things to change rapidly, a flood watch quickly turned into a flood warning. EMA keeps gauges of the levels of Muskingum River in Coschocton, Dresden, Zanesville, and McConnelsville. Jadwin told us Dresden is looking at 14 and a half feet, flood stage is 18.

“So we got some room, but when I look at the creeks that I’ve been out checking at lunch time, they’re all running full. So it’s not going to take real long for it to come up,” he added.

People need to be prepared for possible evacuations. It’s also important for people to organize their to-go bag with essentials such as food, water, and medications. The water on the road can also be very dangerous, vehicles need to be extremely cautious when driving near hazardous flood waters.

“So wherever you are, be careful as you travel. If you can’t see the roadway, turn around don’t drown,” said Jadwin.

It is encouraged for homeowners near the river to sign up for the Muskingum County Citizen Alert system either on the EMA website or by calling the EMA office.