Storms Hit Ohio by Helen McKenzie
It has been revealed this week that over 60% of the United States is experiencing drought conditions, stretching from Arizona to Georgia and across the north through the Dakotas, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin. But for Ohio, drought has been the last thing on anyone’s mind.
On Thursday and Friday, parts of Ohio were hit by severe storms, with suburban Cleveland, in northeast Ohio, the worst affected area. Ten inches (over 25 cm) of rain raised the Grand Level River eleven feet (3.4 metres) above flood level. 600 residents were evacuated after fast rising water flooded into their homes, and power supplies failed. Rescue boats collected people from second floor windows and rooftops, after the water level rose so quickly, they didn’t have time to escape.
By Friday afternoon, the rain had stopped, and the sun began to shine, allowing the clean-up operation to begin. Police dispatcher Wendy Loomis said “(the water) is receding, but we still have a lot of little secondary creeks that are still at a higher level".
It was the latest round of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, that has hit Ohio over the past month. Further showers are expected in Cleveland today, but hot sunshine is forecast for the rest of the week.
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