National Weather Service issues flash flood warning for central Summit County

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for central Summit County.

The warning is in effect until 1:15 a.m. Friday.

Areas that will experience flash flooding are Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Hudson, Tallmadge, Streetsboro, Stow, Norton, Fairlawn, Munroe Falls, Silver Lake, Boston Heights and Montrose-Ghent, the NWS said.

The NWS said between 3 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen as of 9:15 p.m. Thursday evening. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

The NWS offered the following precautions for drivers to take during heavy rain events:

• Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
• Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
• In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: National Weather Service issues flash flood warning for central Summit County