When the Ground Can’t Take More: Rainfall, Flood Risk & What to Do Next in Southern Clinton County

Posted: June 29, 2025

By: Clinton County EMA

Over the past several days, parts of Southern Clinton County have been hammered with heavy rainfall. Communities south of a line from Clarksville to Martinsville have taken the brunt of this weather system. What would normally be considered a month’s worth of rain has fallen in just three days—with the most intense impacts occurring on Saturday, June 28.

To put it in perspective:

• Areas had already received 2–3 inches of rain in the days leading up to Saturday—about average for the entire month of June.

• Then on June 28, an intense burst of rainfall dropped:

  • 1 inch in Clarksville

  • 2.4–3 inches in Blanchester

  • 2.5 inches in Midland

That means in just a 72-hour span, we’ve seen more rainfall than we usually see in a 6-week period. The ground in many of these locations is now fully saturated, which presents a serious risk moving forward.

⚠️ The Forecast: More Rain Could Be on the Way

• Today (Sunday): A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 PM. High near 86°F.

• Tonight: A 30% chance of thunderstorms between 3–5 AM. Low around 71°F.

Although forecasted amounts are low—less than a tenth of an inch—any thunderstorm could still drop more rain quickly, and that’s where the concern lies. When the soil can't absorb any more water, even brief storms can lead to flash flooding.

🌊 Flash Flood Warnings: Take Them Seriously

Flash flooding happens when water rises quickly with little warning, especially in low-lying areas, village drainage ways, or near small creeks. If you were impacted by water on Saturday, you’re already at higher risk. There’s simply nowhere else for the water to go right now.

🛠 What You Can Do Today

If you live in a flood-prone area or saw flooding yesterday, here are a few simple actions you can take:

• Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from your home.

• (For locations were water made it into your first floor living area) Use sandbags or temporary barriers to redirect water from doors and basement window wells. Should be used in conjunction with plastic sheeting.

• Move valuables off the floor in basements or first floors.

• Check sump pumps and backup batteries to ensure they're working.

• Have your go-bag ready in case evacuation becomes necessary.

🧱 Where to Find Sandbags & Plastic Sheeting (Local Options – In-Store)

If you need sandbags quickly, check the following local stores for in-store pickup:

• Wilmington Lowe’s (1281 Rombach Ave, Wilmington, OH) – Usually stocks sandbags and sand.

• Wilmington Tractor Supply Co. (1398 Rombach Ave) – Check for sandbags in farm supplies.

• Blanchester True Value Hardware (105 S Wright St, Blanchester, OH) – May carry flood barriers and sandbags.

• Rural King – Hillsboro (farther out, but often carries bulk sandbags and flood protection items).

Tip: Call ahead to check availability. Sandbags are often in the seasonal/weather preparedness aisle or near outdoor supplies.

📸 Were You Flooded? Help May Be Available

If you had water inside the first floor of your home (not just a crawl space or yard), you may want to:

• Document everything: Take clear photos showing the height of water marks and damage.

• Contact the American Red Cross for possible assistance. 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

• If your home requires mucking out (removing mud, soaked drywall, insulation, and damaged belongings), Clinton County EMA can connect you with volunteer groups like:

  • Team Rubicon

  • American Regulators

  • Masters of Disaster

To request assistance, use the form at www.cc-ema.org/debris and describe the specific flooding issue (e.g., “mud and water cleanup in basement”).

📻 Stay Weather Aware

Southern Clinton County residents—especially those in Midland, Blanchester, and the surrounding areas—should keep a close eye on weather alerts. Now is a good time to double-check your weather radio settings or sign up for Clinton County Emergency Alerts if you haven’t already.

Clinton County EMA will also send jurisdiction-specific alerts to Midland and Blanchester as conditions develop.

Bottom line: The ground is soaked, the streams are full, and another round of rain could push some areas into flooding again. Take care now so you’re not caught off guard later.