Members of the Ohio Army National Guard were deployed this week to support emergency rescue operations in Perry and Muskingum counties, where water levels rapidly rose.
During a 3-hour window on Tuesday, a downpour dumped up to 8 inches of rain.
In addition to declaring a state of emergency, Gov. Mike DeWine activated 40 members of the Ohio National Guard on Aug. 11 after severe flooding in the two counties.
Water rescue efforts are also underway in Crooksville and Roseville, where severe flash flooding forced the evacuation of residents.
At least one death was reported in Roseville after crews were unable to reach a person during an emergency, with officials saying only one road remains passable.
"Water just started pouring into the house," Kaitlyn Rodgers of Crooksville told reporters. “Because of my house being very old, when the water was coming up, I was very worried about the electric outlets that were on the floor, because there was water literally coming out of them, so I was afraid that my children were going to get shocked.”
The state of emergency grants state agencies the authority to bypass red tape to acquire emergency supplies, heavy equipment, or contract services without delay.
More than 200 Perry County residents were forced out of their homes due to flood waters and widespread power failures.
The state of emergency also mentions water rescue boats and expectations that excessive rainfall will continue through Aug. 13.
Twenty light medium tactical vehicles are being used to support the rescue and evacuation process.
“Perry County has experienced widespread flash flooding resulting in significant downed power lines and trees and impacting roadways and travel, and resulting in multiple power outages, including loss of power at its Emergency Operations Center,” the emergency declaration states.
The declaration also activates the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to coordinate local, state, and potential federal resources.
The governor warned drivers to refrain from navigating around barricades or through flooded roadways. He also urged Ohio citizens to monitor weather reports and follow evacuation orders from local officials.