Western-Star.com

More than 5 inches of water fell on Morrow last week, causing flooding and water problems in the village. Working non-stop Tuesday and Wednesday, it took numerous community members, village councilmen and first responders working though the night to alert the community.

"We called who we could and then wen on foot trying to notify people that the water was coming up," Councilman Josh Chambers said. "We had to let them know because if the National Weather Service was right about rain levels, then we'd be in a lot of trouble."

On Wednesday, March 19 Pike Street at Mill Street was closed, houses on Miami and Front streets were damaged and countless intersections and roads were impassable due to high water.

Todd's Fork, a portion of the Little Miami River, swelled and was slapping the bottom of the Little Miami Bike Trail on the old train track near East Pike Street. Authorities say approximately 25 houses were damaged and 25 basements needed to be pumped out.

During a time of immediate need, the Salem Morrow Fire Department also took precautions in case of fire, medical or water rescue.

"We put half of the vehicles on one side of the bridge and the other half on the other side to make sure we had fire and emergency medical service coverage for our entire district," Assistant Chief Bill Harrison said.

The fire department assisted local agencies with several water rescues but didn't have any fire calls in their area during the flooding, something Harrison said is likely with water damage.

"It's always a concern because when people turn their electric or power back on. There's a possibility of a short," he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4545 or dlockwood@coxohio.com.