Cleanup awaits after Hamilton’s west side hit hard by flooding

UPDATE @ 7 p.m.:

City crews are continuing to address issues caused by the storm.

Crews are working to clear debris on streets, replace missing manhole covers, and clear plugged catch basins, sanitary and storm sewer pipes, according to the city.

UPDATE @ 5:30 p.m.:

Some Hamilton residents and businesses will be cleaning up Friday after a heavy rain caused flooding in areas.

A flash flood warning was issued Thursday for Butler County shortly after a heavy cell of rain caused flooding in areas — including Hamilton — which experienced the worst of the storm, according to police and emergency dispatchers.

Sewer drains clogged with debris from the storm and a downpour that lasted nearly 30 minutes caused flooding along several streets, including one of the city’s main arteries — Main Street on the west side.

Justin Sturgeon said his family on the sidewalk in front of their Ross Avenue home when the water started to get high. They discovered an unpleasant surprise when they went inside.

“When we went inside and downstairs to do laundry, we realized all of our clothes were washed already,” he said, taking his flooded basement situation in stride. “It was up to my knees …”

John Davison also lives on Ross Avenue, and he was dealing with a flooded backyard as well as basement.

“My landlord said we have to wait until (the water) goes down (to figure out how to deal with the damages),” Davison said. “My landlord said he has owned this property for 20 years and this is the first time this has ever happened.”

INITIAL REPORT:

A flash flood warning has been issued for Butler County until 4:15 p.m. and some areas — including Hamilton — have experienced flooding, according to police and dispatchers.

Streets in the west side of Hamilton, including Hyde Park and McMillan Street, have standing water after a downpour that lasted about 25 minutes.

Rain stopped at about 2:40 in Hamilton and the water is receding, according to Officer Kristy Collins. However police and firefighters have been stationed at some intersections to keep people out of high water.

Officers are at Park and Edgewood, Main and Western, and Park and Dick roads, she said.

“We are telling people to stay out of high water be cautious of children playing in that high water and flooded underpasses,” Collins said.

Other areas reported flooded include, Park and Edgewood, Main and Lawn, and Symmes Avenue.

Members of the Hamilton fire department are going door-to-door in the Millikin Street area checking basements for possible flooding.

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