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Clermont County EMA warns of multiple days of severe storms, heavy rain and Ohio River flood risk
Summary
Clermont County Emergency Management warned of a multi‑day severe weather and heavy rainfall event beginning overnight, with a high confidence of damaging winds, large hail and tornado potential and forecasted rainfall of 6–8 inches that could produce flash flooding and an Ohio River flood response if the Cincinnati gauge reaches 58 feet.
Clermont County Emergency Management Director Pam Haberkost briefed commissioners on April 2 about an approaching multi‑day severe weather event that could produce damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and heavy rainfall across the county.
Haberkost said the first round of storms could begin this evening and most likely affects Clermont County between about midnight and 3 a.m., with additional rounds possible on Friday and Saturday. "We have the threat for severe thunderstorms with the potential for damaging winds, large hail again, and the potential for tornadoes," she said.
Why it matters: County officials said the ground is saturated and the forecast 6–8 inches of rain over the next five to seven days could cause flash flooding, rising streams and rivers and possible activation of a flood response. Haberkost said the county has an Ohio River activation threshold of 58 feet on the Cincinnati gauge; if that level is reached, officials may activate a unified command center or backup emergency operations center and some residents could need to decide whether to evacuate.
Key details and public safety guidance
- Timing: Severe storms could affect Clermont County beginning overnight (most likely 12 a.m.–3 a.m.) and additional rounds are possible through the weekend.
- Rainfall: Forecast amounts upward of 6–8 inches over five to seven days, increasing flash‑flood risk in creeks, streams and low‑lying areas.
- Ohio River threshold: County will consider unified command/backup EOC activation at 58 feet on the Cincinnati gauge.
- Public guidance: Haberkost urged residents to secure loose items and home fuel oil/propane tanks, keep children away from fast‑moving water, and avoid driving around high‑water barricades. She recommended multiple means to receive warnings (wireless emergency alerts on smartphones, weather radios, local media and apps) because the event will occur overnight when people may be sleeping.
Haberkost said the county has already coordinated with Ohio River communities on preparedness since January and has set up damage‑assessment reporting processes for municipalities. "Please listen to the local media, and the local meteorologist for current weather information," she said.
Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the briefing and encouraged residents to prepare and follow official updates; staff said they will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.
