Flash flood warning issued for central Summit County

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for central Summit County.

The warning is in effect until 1:15 a.m. Friday.

Areas that will experience flash flooding are Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Hudson, Tallmadge, Streetsboro, Stow, Norton, Fairlawn, Munroe Falls, Silver Lake, Boston Heights and Montrose-Ghent, the NWS said.

The NWS said between 3 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen as of 9:15 p.m. Thursday evening. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

The NWS offered the following precautions for drivers to take during heavy rain events:

• Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
• Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
• In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.