Floods of July 4-8, 1969, in north-central Ohio

Open-File Report 72-252
By: , and 

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Abstract

The storm of July 4-5, 1969, in north-central Ohio was an unprecedented event; never before has such intense and widespread precipitation been recorded for a summer storm in Ohio (U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1969). More than 14 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours were observed at several places. In areal extent more than 4 inches of rainfall occurred on about 6,000 square miles.

Record-breaking floods were observed at many places in north-central Ohio. Of the 50 sites for which the peak discharge was determined 40 are located on unregulated streams. The peak discharge at five of the 40 sites was four times as large as the discharge of the 50-year flood and the peak discharge for 17 sites was more than twice as large as that of the 50-year flood.

Severe losses in terms of lives and property damage were experienced; 41 deaths and more than $66 million in property damage were attributed to the rainstorm, accompanying wind, and resulting floods.

This report summarizes peak stages and (or) discharges at 55 sites including five reservoirs, in upper Muskingum River basin, in lower Sandusky River basin, and in the Huron River, Vermilion River, and Black River basins.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Floods of July 4-8, 1969, in north-central Ohio
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 72-252
DOI 10.3133/ofr72252
Year Published 1971
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Columbus, OH
Contributing office(s) Ohio Water Science Center
Description iii, 38 p.
Country United States
State Ohio
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