Pickaway County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

09/21/2026

With the additional rain moving through, here is a reminder to report any flood damage to the Pickaway County EMA office. We are preparing to send damage assessment teams out Tuesday. Your information will help us know where to send our teams.

You can use this link to report information to us.
https://arcg.is/1qOTWm1

If you are unable to use the link, you can email us at [email protected].

09/20/2026

Additional rain is in the forecast tonight. Please refer to the map below issued by US National Weather Service Wilmington OH. With the ground already being saturated, there is high likelihood for standing water and waterways becoming full to potentially overflowing.

Stay weather aware and do not drive through water. We want everyone to get home safely!

Additional rounds of showers and storms are likely tonight. Locally heavy rain over already saturated ground could lead to flash flooding tonight.

09/20/2026

The EVACUATION order for the area of 56 west of Laurelville has been LIFTED in Pickaway County. Residents may return home. There is still standing water in the area and throughout the county. Additional rain is in the forecast today and during the week. Be aware of your surroundings and rising water.

The American Red Cross shelter at Union-Scioto Schools, 1565 Egypt Pike, Chillicothe is now closed.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

09/20/2026

Please see the press release below regarding the flooding this morning.

09/20/2026

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
The rains have caused flooding throughout the county, especially the southeastern corner. TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

🔴 Residents on Saltcreek Drive and around Laurelville are being EVACUATED due to high water!

Closures are located:
🔴 SR 56 from Lutz Rd to 180
🔴 Hayesville - Tarlton Adelphi Rd & SR 56
🔴 Moccasin Rd - S Perry to Baylor / Julian Rd
🔴 Hagerty Rd at the underpass

Stay aware of rising water!

Send a message to learn more

09/17/2026

There is potential for heavy rain resulting in flash flooding. Timing of the heavy rain is midnight until noon on Friday. The specific areas that could have the heaviest rains and flooding is uncertain, but there is higher confidence that there will be localized flash flooding overnight.

Flash flooding overnight can be dangerous as many are sleeping and it can be harder to see when it's dark.

☑️ Do not drive through water. It's hard to tell if there is any debris or electrical lines in it as well as how deep it is.

☑️ If you see flooding on streets, call it in to the local 911 center and report it.

☑️ Have multiple methods to receive verified and trusted weather information. Weather radios, news channels (tv and radio), phone apps, Pickaway Alert (text, email, phone calls), and other methods are available.

☑️ Have a kit in your car if you get stuck - bottles of water, shelf-stable food, flashlight (and batteries), car chargers and backup power sources, blanket, etc.

[3:25 PM]Flood Watch is now in effect for the areas below from Midnight tonight until Noon Friday. Confidence on exact locations of the heaviest rain/greatest flood threat is fairly low, but confidence is a little higher that there will be localized flash flooding overnight.

09/11/2026

Today, we honor the memory and those still with us who were impacted by the disaster on 9/11. Let us never forget.

09/03/2026

August was a reminder of what could happen when severe weather comes. Fortunately, we did not receive the damage our neighboring counties did. Let's use September to make sure we are ready when the next severe weather event comes!

September is Ohio Preparedness Month (OPM). The 2026 theme is "Prepare Your Family", and Ohioans are encouraged to consider how to best prepare for disasters and emergencies and discuss plans with their families. Learn more about OPM and view Governor DeWine's Proclamation: https://bit.ly/4gHV5QH

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month!

Is your household ready if an emergency happens? Preparedness starts at home. Take time today to create and practice an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do.

Learn more at ready.gov/stand-ready National Preparedness Month 2026
☑️Pick a safe place to meet
☑️ Assign responsibilities
☑️ Practice how to leave safely
☑️ Make a plan on how to stay in touch

Be aware, be prepared! Have a plan and know what to do when an emergency happens. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3LImC5h

09/01/2026

We are expecting to see heat indices over 100 degrees in our area Tuesday through Thursday. There is a low chance for a strong storm on Thursday which could bring hail and damaging winds.

If you are outside this week, please use caution. Drink hydrating fluids, take frequent breaks, and limit exertion if possible.

Hot temperatures and high heat indices will occur for the next three days as strong upper level high pressure spreads over the area. The heat will ease late in the week as a cold front sags southwards.