Central Ohio Waterways See High Levels After Storms and Melting

Flooding concerns remain low despite heavy rain and snowmelt

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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After heavy rain and melting snow from Winter Storm Fern, water levels at local waterways in central Ohio have risen, but the National Weather Service says significant flooding is not expected. While some areas like Licking County saw high water levels, the Scioto River and other major waterways did not reach flood thresholds.

Why it matters

Flooding is a major concern in central Ohio during the winter-to-spring transition when melting snow and heavy rains can quickly raise water levels. While this event did not reach major flood levels, it highlights the need for continued monitoring and preparedness as the region moves into the spring season.

The details

The National Weather Service reported that Franklin County received 1.5 to 3 inches of rain on February 20, with the southern portion of the county seeing up to 3 inches. This rain fell on ground already saturated from snowmelt, leading to high water levels, especially in Licking County and the Granville area. Raccoon Creek rose from 4 feet to nearly 14 feet overnight, reaching minor flood stage, but had dropped back below flood levels by the next morning. The South Fork Licking River near Interstate 70 also saw some minor flooding, potentially closing exit ramps, but the Scioto River's water levels, while rising, did not reach flood thresholds.

  • On February 19 and 20, central Ohio experienced heavy rain and melting snow from Winter Storm Fern.
  • Raccoon Creek in Licking County rose from 4 feet to nearly 14 feet overnight on February 19, reaching minor flood stage.
  • By 11 a.m. on February 20, Raccoon Creek had dropped back down to 11.5 feet, below flood levels.

The players

Nate McGinnis

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio.

National Weather Service

The government agency that monitors and forecasts weather conditions in the United States.

Ohio Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining Ohio's transportation infrastructure, including highways and roads.

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What they’re saying

“The winter months going into spring are always times where we have to be very cautious of high water because you don't have plants growing. So there's not a whole lot of moisture being used, so it tends to run off a lot easier.”

— Nate McGinnis, Meteorologist (The Columbus Dispatch)

“What tends to happen is there is an exit ramp on I-70 that may have some water on it and they may close that that exit ramp. It's a little bit of an inconvenience, but that's why we consider that minor flooding.”

— Nate McGinnis, Meteorologist (The Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to closely monitor water levels in central Ohio waterways, especially the South Fork Licking River near Interstate 70, in case further flooding occurs.

The takeaway

While this weather event led to high water levels in some areas, the National Weather Service says significant flooding is not expected, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness as central Ohio transitions into the spring season.