Storms hit Guernsey County: 'We are very fortunate we didn't get what was predicted'

CAMBRDIGE − Mother Nature kept residents of Guernsey County on their toes Tuesday night as a line of strong, spring storms made its way through southeastern Ohio.

Areas across Guernsey County heard the screams of tornado sirens Tuesday evening as night settled. New Concord, Quaker, City, Byesville and other areas activated their sirens.

As the rain continued, a major concern of residents and emergency officials was the rapidly rising waters of area creeks and streams. The flood stage was crested by various waterways, flooding roads and blocking people in their homes.

According to Guernsey County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Deputy Director Rusty Roberts, "We got lucky. We are very fortunate we didn't get what was predicted."

Residents are advised to contact their local township officials or township garages for local road closures. A contact list for area townships can be found at https://guernseycounty.org/township-officials.

Wednesday's forecast from the National Weather Service's is calling for a high near 49, with southwest winds 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: A chance of rain showers before midnight, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southwest winds around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Those interested in learning about severe weather can contact the EMA at 740-432-9292 or visit www.weather.gov/pbz/skywarn-schedule to register for their upcoming SKYWARN Spotter Training. The training will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Guernsey County Administration Building, 627 Wheeling Ave. The training is free and typically lasts about two hours and will be conducted by the NWS Warning Coordinator Fred McMullen with the Pittsburgh office.

Subjects will include severe weather, flooding, and information to be reported to the National Weather Service. The discussion will also focus on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.