Ice Jam Update – Flooding in Muskingum County Isolated

The Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency issued its latest River Ice Jam update Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.  E-M-A Director Jeff Jadwin says flooding in Muskingum County is isolated.  The hardest hit areas include Gene Cox Memorial Drive, Stillwell Road, Dresden Park beside the school, Ellis Dam, Gilbert Station, Terrace Shores, Riverside Park and Kirkbride Marina.  Jadwin says areas including Nashport, below the Y-Bridge and State Route 555 “ARE NOT” affected by flooding at this time.  There are no injuries to report and no shelters open.  The Muskingum Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross will open a shelter if there is a need.  So far only voluntary evacuations have occurred at homes in Gilbert Station.  The E-M-A continues to work closely with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to monitor the situation.  Blowing up the ice jams to relieve the pressure on the river is NOT an option as this could cause very fast flooding and serious damage downstream.

At this time the E-M-A is asking citizens to be prepared:

Monitor your property

Bring outdoor belongings inside

Move valuable household possessions to upper floors or to safe ground

Stock clean water in case water becomes contaminated

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