Cincinnati is sending debris crews and roll-off containers into Hyde Park and Oakley starting Monday, July 20, after Friday's flash flooding dumped up to five inches of rain on the east side in under 30 minutes.
City Manager Sheryl Long announced Monday that the Department of Public Services and the Metropolitan Sewer District have launched an enhanced debris removal operation targeting four neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Oakley, Madisonville, and California. The first roll-off container is already stationed at 4420 Camberwell Road in Hyde Park, according to Long's memo to City Council. Additional containers are being deployed to the other neighborhoods.
Residents who need storm debris picked up, a blocked road cleared, or a drainage problem addressed can call 311 from within city limits, call 513-765-1212 from outside city limits, or submit a request at 311cincy.org or through the 311 Cincy mobile app.
More than 900 sewer backup reports
MSD has received more than 900 reports of sewer backups and basement flooding since Friday, July 17, according to MSD Director Diana Christy. Crews are working overtime to inspect each report.
Christy told WVXU on Monday, July 20, that all floodwater entering homes should be treated as contaminated, whether it came from the sewer system or rushed in as stormwater. She urged residents to begin cleanup immediately and said MSD crews would continue working through the week to complete inspections.
Residents can report a possible sewer backup by calling 513-352-4900 or online at msdgc.org/sbu. The Hyde Park Neighborhood Council urged residents to file claims with MSD's Sewer Backup Program within 48 hours of the flooding, noting online filing may be faster given the volume of claims.
Duck Creek flood gate under investigation
City officials are also investigating whether a flood gate on Duck Creek in Madisonville and Oakley failed during the storm. A Cincinnati Fire Department official told reporters Saturday that the gate did not close and the creek overflowed its banks. The city told WVXU on Monday, July 20, that it is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the investigation. No findings have been announced.
Damage across Hyde Park and Oakley
The damage is visible across both neighborhoods. Oakley resident Paige Scheidler's basement filled with five feet of water despite roughly $20,000 she had invested in flood prevention measures, including a backflow preventer, rerouted downspouts, and sump pumps. Neighbors along Camberwell Road spent Saturday cleaning out garages and hauling damaged belongings to the curb.
Multiple Hyde Park and Mount Lookout businesses remain closed. Neko Sushi on Madison Road flooded for the fifth time since 2018, according to owner Yeon Kim. Dovetale Bakery, which opened in April, and Poeme stationery store also sustained flood damage. Zip's Cafe on Delta Avenue in Mount Lookout closed through the weekend.
More storms possible Tuesday
National Weather Service Meteorologist Julie Dian-Reed warned that the Cincinnati area faces more strong weather on Tuesday, July 21, with damaging wind as the primary threat and additional flooding possible.
"We could have clustering storms again, so I wouldn't be surprised if there are some flood issues," Dian-Reed said. "We can't pinpoint, 'This location will have flooding.' It's not of that nature."
Dian-Reed encouraged residents to confirm that emergency alert settings are enabled on their smartphones.
How to get help
- Report storm debris or blocked roads: Call 311 (city limits), 513-765-1212 (outside city limits), or visit 311cincy.org
- Report a sewer backup: Call 513-352-4900 or visit msdgc.org/sbu
- Donate supplies: Paper towels and Clorox wipes can be dropped off at Poeme on Michigan Avenue near Hyde Park Square
