Blanchard River to crest below flood stage

Heavy rains this week and overnight Friday have swelled the Blanchard River in Findlay. But the river is forecast to crest below flood stage late today/early Sunday. The river was forecast to crest at about 10.6 feet, well below flood stage, which is 12 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The crest forecast was reduced dramatically between Friday morning and Friday afternoon. At one point, the river was predicted to rise to 13.1 feet, or minor flood stage. But by mid-afternoon Friday, the rise in river levels had slowed significantly. The forecast for the crest was reduced accordingly. Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn credited the favorable outcome to Hancock County's $7 million widening — called "benching" — of parts of the river west of Main Street. "I think that ties directly to the benching," Muryn said. Officials are hoping to widen parts of the river east of Main Street this year to further reduce flooding in Findlay. That will cost $4 million. All of the river widening projects are funded with county sales tax revenue. City officials were not expecting any damage to property overnight or today. But some street areas could be underwater, and motorists should avoid those areas, the mayor said. Flash flooding was forecast overnight, so ditches may not have been able to keep pace in draining the water, resulting in water collecting on streets. "We still obviously want people to avoid driving through water because you can get into trouble quickly, whether you think you're able to drive through it or not," Muryn said. She was anticipating that River Road and some areas of Main Cross Street could be closed. Besides the river widening efforts, a lengthening of the Norfolk Southern bridge over the Blanchard River west of Main Street would further reduce flooding. County officials are hoping that project could be completed this year. A $7 million federal grant will pay for about 80% of the cost. Local officials are hoping to get the railroad to pay at least part of the rest of the cost. Otherwise, the remaining costs will be covered by county government.