COLUMBUS — The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a Flood Watch for Franklin County and several surrounding counties Wednesday morning, warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms could cause flooding through Thursday afternoon.
The watch covers Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, and Clark counties including Downtown Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Springfield, and Plain City.
Flooding Is a Real Risk
The ground is already soaked from recent rain. When soil is this wet, heavy rain has nowhere to go it runs straight into streets, creeks, and low-lying areas instead of soaking in.
The NWS expects 1 to 2 inches of rain to fall across the region tonight into Thursday morning, with some spots seeing up to 3 inches. That is enough to push local streams and flood-prone areas over the edge.
Storms Expected Today and Tonight
Rain is already moving in Wednesday afternoon, with a high near 57°F. Thunderstorms are possible after 4 p.m. Tonight, the rain keeps coming thunderstorms are likely before 1 a.m., and more storms are possible again after 4 a.m. The low will drop to around 53°F.
Thursday Stays Wet
Thursday will bring more of the same. Rain and thunderstorms are expected through most of the day, with a high near 67°F. South winds will pick up to between 6 and 11 mph, with gusts reaching 21 mph. The NWS says there is a 100 percent chance of rain Thursday, with an additional half to three-quarters of an inch possible on top of whatever falls tonight.
The Weekend and Beyond
Friday brings a break from the heaviest rain, with a high near 76°F and only a 50 percent chance of showers. But rain returns Saturday with another 100 percent chance and a high near 72°F. Sunday finally offers some relief mostly sunny skies and a high near 61°F. Monday looks sunny as well, with a high near 68°F.
What You Should Do Now
The NWS is urging residents to watch for updated forecasts and be ready to act quickly if a Flood Warning is issued. A Flood Watch means flooding is possible. A Flood Warning means flooding is happening or about to happen and that is when you need to move.
If you live near a creek, river, or low-lying area, pay close attention to conditions tonight and Thursday morning. Do not drive through flooded roads. Even six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and two feet of water can sweep away a car.
Residents can monitor conditions through the NWS Wilmington office at weather.gov or by following local emergency alerts on their phones.
Forecast data provided by the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio. Published: March 4, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com