The Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the agency of Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, warned drivers Aug. 10, to watch for high water on Riverside Drive and Lane Road in Hilliard after severe storms dumped heavy rain across central Ohio.

The agency posted the traffic alert on X, urging motorists to avoid the flooded stretches. The post included a photo from the scene.

The flooding followed a storm system that moved through the region Monday morning and triggered a flash flood warning at about 1 p.m. for Franklin County and six surrounding counties, according to ThisWeek News. The National Weather Service estimated between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain had already fallen in Franklin and Delaware counties by that point, with another half-inch to an inch possible before the day ended.

By mid-afternoon, the NWS said the major flooding risk had passed but kept a flood watch in effect through Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, because runoff could still push creeks and rivers over their banks.

The storms also knocked out power to roughly 2,400 Franklin County customers at midday, according to 10TV. That number dropped to about 600 by 3 p.m.

More rain is expected.

The Columbus Dispatch reported the NWS forecast for Aug. 11 calls for a 90% chance of precipitation with a high near 86 degrees and between 1 and 2 inches of rain possible overnight, raising the risk for additional localized flooding. The active weather pattern is expected to continue through at least Aug. 13, before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.

The FCSO had not posted a follow-up as of Aug. 11, and it is unclear whether Riverside Drive and Lane Road have reopened.

Drivers who encounter standing water on any road should turn around. The National Weather Service's longstanding safety message: never attempt to drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.

Residents can call the Franklin County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 614-525-3333 for road concerns, or 911 for emergencies.