Columbus, Ohio – Scattered thunderstorms and showers will impact much of the Ohio Valley this week, with the greatest threat concentrated in the western and southern parts of Ohio. Locally heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas and near smaller creeks, but widespread river flooding remains unlikely due to the lack of prolonged, organized rainfall. According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, rain will be most persistent through the lower Ohio Valley and New River basin, especially from Cincinnati south toward Portsmouth and east into West Virginia.
Residents in Dayton, Cincinnati, and southern Ohio counties should watch for brief periods of torrential rain and minor flooding on local roads—especially in urban spots and along the Scioto and Great Miami Rivers. Isolated power outages and minor travel delays are possible during the heaviest storms. Emergency officials recommend checking weather alerts and avoiding flooded roadways, as water levels can rise quickly…