Floodwaters close Stark County roads, schools; Expected to recede later this morning

Snow and ice began to melt with heavy rainfall in the Stark County area Thursday, causing flooding that closed roads, shut down schools and threatened homes in low-lying areas.

Salix Iverson, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Cleveland, said 1.71 inches of rain fell Thursday in the Akron-Canton area. The amount of snowfall overnight was not immediately available, but Stark County salt and plow trucks were out early this morning.

The rain has stopped and, although some snow fell on the region overnight and the creeks and streams continue to rise, today's forecast includes only cloudy skies. Snow is not expected until the early morning hours Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Flooding expected throughout Stark County

A flood warning remains in effect through 1 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service said that at 5:13 a.m, automated gauges reported "minor to moderate flooding across the Nimishillen Creek basin, including the West and Middle Branches of the Nimishillen and Sandy Creek near Waynesburg."

Communities expected to experience continued flooding this morning include Canton, Massillon, Green, Alliance, North Canton, Louisville, Minerva, Hartville, Brewster, Navarre, Waynesburg, East Sparta, Wilmot, Canal Fulton, East Canton, Beach City, Meyers Lake, Hills And Dales, Limaville and Perry Heights.

The Nimishillen Creek near the North Industry area south of Canton can expect major flooding to come and last into the late afternoon, the agency announced about 2:45 a.m. today.

At 2:15 a.m., the floodwaters were at 12.7 feet and expecting to crest this morning at 13.1 feet, falling later this morning.

"At 13.0 feet, water inundates the first floor of homes in Canton and North Industry. Central Avenue Southeast floods in Canton Township," according to the Weather Service.

Minor flooding was also forecast for the Tuscarawas River in Massillon through late this afternoon and more flooding of the Mahoning River to the north. The weather agency noted that flood waters may force the closing of two railroad crossings in Massillon.

The agency noted that at 5:15 a.m., the floodwaters were 18.3 feet deep, adding, "The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this morning and continue falling to 16.1 feet early tomorrow afternoon."

Roads are icy and some schools closed

The Ohio Department of Transportation reported icy road conditions in some areas. The agency said 70 crews were out plowing, treating, and patrolling roadways.

Canton Local Schools Superintendent Brett Yeagley told The Canton Repository in an email that schools there are closed due to high water blocking several roads.

School district Facebook pages announced closures: Tuslaw Local Schools due to significant flooding and road closures throughout the district.

Carrollton Exempted Village schools closed, too, due to the weather, but will conduct a remote learning day for students.

The Louisville Police Department said the following roads were closed: Constitution Avenue; West Main Street at Constitution Avenue; West Main Street at Gorgas Street; North Chapel Street at the train tracks, North Chapel Street at West Frana Clara Street; and Frana Clara Street between Baier and Constitution avenues.

ODOT also closed several roads in eastern Ohio in the following counties: Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson and Tuscarawas.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Flooding closes roads, schools in Stark County