MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Though the National Weather Service expected the Great Miami River to crest more than four feet above flood stage Friday, record rainfall did not bring it above flood stage.
River flood warnings were in effect for Butler, Hamilton and Warren County through Saturday after rain hovered over Greater Cincinnati Thursday. While water has crept up in some low-lying areas, the river peaked under flood stage at 12 feet before proceeding.
Miamitown resident Steve Smith said he was monitoring the water level, noticing an island that sits in the middle of the river outside his house disappear as water rises.
"It comes up really, really fast and that's what it did yesterday," Smith said. "It came up really fast. Normally the water is real slow."
Resident Rick Joseph said most of the homes in the area are elevated to stay safe, but some homes take on water if the river rises high enough.
Residents in New Richmond also saw water levels near their homes rise Thursday as the rain eventually makes its way through rivers and creeks across the region.
"A lot of tributaries all feed into the Ohio River and meet downriver,” said resident Peter Watson, who owns a restaurant on the Ohio River. “So, we are downriver from all of that, and yeah maybe just have to keep an eye on it."
Twelvemile Creek also runs through the city near homes and roads. Relentless rain caused it to swell as early as Thursday afternoon. However, the National Weather Service predicts it and the Ohio River will crest at 48.3 feet Monday. Flood stage is 52 feet.
In addition to monitoring flooding, weather advisories warn to pay attention to dropping temperatures overnight. Rain may have washed salt off roadways, possibly leading to icy patches.
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