It's going to rain cats and dogs this weekend as Northeast Ohio deals with heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch that will stay in effect until Monday.
A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for most of northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania into Monday. Rain will continue over the weekend, with the heaviest rain expected late tonight and Sunday. Many area rivers will experience flooding Sunday into early next week. #clewx pic.twitter.com/DO7QayUQgH
— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) September 8, 2018
Consistent rain will blanket the area, according to News 5 Meteorologist Bryan Shaw. Some locations could see 3 to 6 inches of rain by Monday.
The city of Cleveland issued an advisory Saturday with tips on how to deal with bad weather and stay safe during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Flood Safety
- Street Flooding — with the anticipated storms to hit the area this weekend, Water Pollution Control has some tips for residents to help keep them safe and to help minimize the flooding of streets at times of heavy rainfall.
- Residents can help to keep sewers flowing freely by making sure the catch basins are dear from debris and other trash from the tops and around storm drains.
- If street flooding occurs, residents should immediately contact WPC at (216) 664-2513. Calls are answered 24/7.
- If you are under a flood warning or in an area where flooding is occurring, seek higher ground right away. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Remember — Turn Around, Don't Drown
- If water backs up into a basement, residents should notify WPC to investigate the problem. If the main sewer is found to be flowing properly the property owner will need to hire a licensed and bonded plumber to dear the connection on their property. It is a homeowner's responsibility to make repairs if the problem in the connection is found to be between their property and the curb. If the problem is between the curb and the main sewer, a property owner needs to submit to WPC a receipt from a licensed and bonded plumber that notes the exact location of the problem.
- Residents who experience high water in their basements and fear other problems can turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box only if it can be done without standing in water. If residents cannot get to the electrical panel without standing in water, they should immediately contact their local electrical supplier to request assistance. Cleveland Public Power customers should call the CPP Trouble Line at 216-664-3156.
General Storm Safety Tips
- Downed power lines — Never touch, move or go near any downed or hanging lines. The first action should be to call 9-1-1 or your local utility. CPP's Trouble Line can be reached by caning 216-664-3156.
- Do not put your feet in water where a downed line is laying.
- Do not try to move tree limbs.
- If you see someone who has come into contact with a downed line, do not touch them, again call 9-1-1
- If a line comes down on your car stay inside, roll down your window and warn others to stay away. Call authorities or ask a passerby to call authorities. The only time you should exit a vehicle with a downed line on it is if it has caught fire. If the vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump with both feet together to avoid contact with the car. It is metal and therefore you could receive a shock.
Additional tips for staying safe.
- Check on your friends and neighbors, especially those who are seniors or have young children.
- Check on pets and bring them inside if at all possible!
You can read the full advisory below:
Flooding is a possibility for creeks, streams, basements and backyards. The majority of the rain is expected to fall Saturday night and Sunday -- right in time for the Browns game.
Not only is it going to be wet for the #Browns game but it is going to be windy as well. #Cleveland #Weather#Cleveland #Weather @WEWS pic.twitter.com/OvV7tZUtZn
— Bryan Shaw (@WxShaw) September 8, 2018
If you plan on attending the Browns game make sure to pack a poncho or three. Umbrellas are prohibited.
Looking to stay dry? Check out the Browns Countdown pre-game show on Sunday at 11 a.m.
The News 5 Forecast can be found here. The News 5 Interactive Weather Radar can be found here.
