Tue Feb 09 2010
By TODD HELBERG
While floodwaters were receding in Defiance very early today, they continued rising this morning along the Tiffin River, flooding Evansport.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had predicted that the Tiffin at Stryker would crest at 17.3 feet around 2 p.m. Wednesday, but it reached 17.95 feet at 6 a.m. today. This is nearly seven feet above the 11-foot flood stage and well within "major stage."
According to the NWS, the river may begin receding this morning.
At 9 a.m. today, Defiance County EMA director Julie Rittenhouse said the Tiffin Township Fire Department in Evansport was monitoring the water level this morning and reported that "it looks like it has pretty much leveled off."
The Tiffin has caused considerable flooding in Evansport, where seven homes took in water, according to Rittenhouse. She said two actually had water in the house while another was close and the others had basement flooding.
Power was also shut off to four homes, according to Rittenhouse. Residents in two homes reportedly left to stay with family.
The flooding around Evansport has also closed numerous roads including Trinity Road, between Schick and Bostater roads; Schick Road, between Trinity and Evansport roads; Evansport Road, between Schick and Banner School roads; Evansport Road, between Whistler and Russell roads; Christy Road, between Allen and Hockman roads; Stever Road, between Gruber and Evansport roads; Defiance-Williams County Line Road, between Evansport and Christy roads; and Defiance-Williams County Line Road, between Evansport and Wieland roads.
This has left Evansport accessible only by traveling Scott Road to Evansport Road, said Rittenhouse.
Defiance saw flooding in familiar locations such as the Kingsbury Park area, Riverside Avenue and Auglaize Street. Some downtown buildings were also affected.
The Maumee reached its crest of 17.65 feet at 3:45 a.m. today, according to the NWS. Flood stage is 10 feet while "moderate stage" is 15 feet and "major stage" is 20 feet.
The river continued receding this morning.
But not before the crest became the fifth highest in the Maumee's recorded history, according to the NWS. Higher marks were set in February 2008 (17.97 feet), February 1985 (18.5 feet), March 1982 (20.5 feet) and March 1913 (26 feet).
Meanwhile, the Auglaize River near the Power Dam crested at 24.36 feet Wednesday morning, but was down to 22.33 feet at 6:45 a.m. today. Flood stage is 21 feet while "moderate stage" is 23 feet and "major stage" is 25 feet.
Officials said power was shut off to approximately 50 residences in Defiance and five businesses impacted by floodwaters. But displaced residents did not need temporary shelter available through the American Red Cross.
"They have family or friends they can stay with," said Rittenhouse. "Most of them have been through this so many times."
The worst affected homes -- in the Kingsbury Park area -- will need to be inspected by disaster response teams before the occupants can return, according to emergency officials. The teams consist of private building contractors as well as public safety officials.
While putting water in some Riverside Avenue homes, the swollen Auglaize did not get into residences along Power Dam Road, south of Defiance, according to Rittenhouse.
"It got very close," she said.
Although no one needed temporary shelter, it's still available through Defiance's American Red Cross office at 1220 S. Clinton St. The Red Cross can also provide cleanup kits or personal car kits. The phone numbers are 419-782-0136 or 419-438-5150 after hours.
Cleanup in Defiance will be aided by the placement of trash dumpsters at Kingsbury Park, Riverside Park and Hopkins Street. These likely will be made available Saturday after floodwaters recede and residents have an opportunity to go back home, indicated Defiance Police Chief Tim Tobias.
Rittenhouse said 63 homes throughout Defiance County have been affected by the flood.
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Crescent-News.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Defiance Publishing, LLC 1995-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expresse written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expresse written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications