Ohio Governor John Kasich has issued an emergency declaration for 17 counties in the southern and eastern parts of the state amid concerns about continued flooding and forecasts of more rain.
Counties included in the declaration are Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Clermont, Columbiana, Gallia, Hamilton, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Monroe, Meigs, Muskingum, Scioto and Washington. The declaration allows for the National Guard to be activated if needed. The National Weather Service says between 1 and 2 inches of rain is forecast beginning Saturday night into Sunday morning. The Ohio River at Cincinnati is expected to crest at 59.5 feet Monday morning. Saturday afternoon the river reached 57 feet , well above the 52-foot flood stage.
