Mahoning River crests

Staff report

cleveland

The Mahoning River at Youngstown and at Warren crested at 10 p.m. Sunday, alleviating the threat of flooding in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, the National Weather Service in Cleveland confirmed.

Flood stage on the river is 10 feet. A record-high temperature of 64 degrees Sunday melted snow, and 1.66 inches of rain from Friday to Sunday also contributed to the river’s rising to 9.2 feet in Warren and 11.6 feet in Youngstown, the National Weather Service said Monday. In flood-prone Leavittsburg, in Trumbull County, it crested at 8 p.m. Sunday at 12.5 feet.

The river levels are continuing to fall.

In Mahoning County, county Engineer Pat Ginnetti said there were no reports of flooding. He said the county put up high-water signs on Beaver Creek and Roller roads in Beaver Township.

In Leavittsburg, there were no reports of serious flooding.

“Actually, believe it or not, nothing,” said Warren Township Fire Chief Ken Schick.

“We don’t worry until it gets to 13 feet,” he said.

Even though flood stage is 10 feet and water comes over the river banks, all it did this time was contribute to some soggy backyards, Schick said.

There are 150 feet or more between the river and the roads, he said. No houses were flooded.

The National Weather Service said the Youngstown area did not get as much rain from the weather system as other areas.

In other parts of Trumbull County, flooding closed roads, said Gregg Alberini, highway superintendent.

Near Braceville, part of Braceville-Robinson Road was closed because of flooding from Eagle Creek.

Thomas A. Swift MetroPark in Braceville Township and Canoe City MetroPark in Leavittsburg have reopened to the public except for the floating dock at Canoe City, which will remain closed until further notice.

The parks were closed Sunday morning because of anticipated high water levels on the Mahoning River.

Parkman-Easterly Road off Old State Road in Farmington Township was flooded, and state Route 87 between state Route 45 and state Route 534 was closed.

There were no reports of flooding in Columbiana County. Bob Durbin, chief deputy to the county engineer, said Monday the creeks were high.

“Right up to the top,” he added.

In Wellsville along the Ohio River, village administrator Thomas Edgell said he knew of no flooding in his community.

The National Weather Service said there is no reason to expect river levels to rise again.

The forecast called for temperatures in the mid-20s today, with a 50 percent chance of snow.

Wednesday is forecast to be partly sunny with temperatures in the upper 20s.