The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a flash flood warning in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, for central Portage County as heavy rain continues in the area.

The NWS also said Ravenna and Edinburg will experience flash flooding.

Doppler radar indicated heavy rain from thunderstorms, leading to expected flash floods. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen in less than one hour. According to the flood warning, additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area.  

Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms are expected in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, poor drainage, low-lying areas, streets and underpasses. 

A few minutes before the NWS issued the flash flood warning, Portage County was placed under a flood advisory by the NWS, in effect until 3:45 p.m., which will impact poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Locations that will experience flooding include: Ravenna, Streetsboro, Edinburg, Brady Lake and Sugar Bush Knolls.

To take precautionary measures, the agency suggested turning around when encountering flooded roads. The advisory warned most flood deaths occur in vehicles. 

Audrey Trevarthan is managing editor. Contact her at [email protected].