Multi-County Road Closures
Multiple Road Closures Expected Across Five Counties Due To Severe Weather
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Severe storms and flooding have forced emergency road closures across multiple counties in Ohio and New Mexico this week. WKBW reported that Route 240 in West Seneca, New York, closed in both directions Tuesday night after a serious multi-vehicle crash around 8 p.m. Meanwhile, KMVT noted overnight work at the Jerome interchange in Idaho will affect eastbound traffic. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine signed a state of emergency declaration covering 19 counties, with five core counties in the Scioto Valley region facing the worst damage.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation warned drivers across northern counties to prepare for flash flooding and sudden road closures as heavy rainfall surges across low-lying routes. 965KVKI reported that the right lane of I-49 northbound at the I-20 interchange in Shreveport, Louisiana, will close Tuesday night for repairs. Officials are urging motorists to avoid flooded intersections and find alternate routes.
Ohio's Scioto Valley Hit by Devastating Flooding
Torrential rainfall pounded central Ohio on September 20–21, triggering emergency road closures across Ross, Pike, Highland, Pickaway, and Vinton counties. Vinton County Sheriff initially declared a Level 3 Snow/Road Emergency, shutting down all non-emergency traffic. By September 21 at 8:21 a.m., officials downgraded conditions to Level 2 as high waters submerged major highways, including US-50 east of McArthur. Emergency shelters opened at Vinton County South Elementary School to house displaced residents.
Governor DeWine surveyed the storm damage on September 22 and signed the state of emergency declaration, authorizing state resources to flow to local response teams. DeWine stated: "We've seen significant flooding and damage across several Ohio counties. The state is working closely with local officials to provide the necessary support." The Ohio Department of Transportation deployed crews to place barricades on submerged highways and coordinate emergency repairs.
Flash Flooding Warnings Issued Across New Mexico Routes
The New Mexico Department of Transportation issued flood warnings effective through September 23, cautioning drivers that rapidly rising water could force immediate closures across northern counties. District Five Engineer Rhonda Lopez issued a stark safety directive: "Flash flooding can turn a familiar roadway into a dangerous situation in a matter of minutes. If you encounter water crossing the roadway, do not attempt to drive through it." Dry arroyos and mountainous terrain in New Mexico exacerbate run-off risks, leading to severe erosion on paved routes.
The National Weather Service highlighted that rapid rainfall rates are exceeding local drainage capabilities, becoming more frequent during seasonal transitions. NMDOT maintenance crews deployed field units to place barricades on affected highways. Officials urged the public to obey closures, noting that drivers bypassing barricades endanger both themselves and rescue teams.
Additional Closures Reported Across Five States
Q985Online reported that the City of Rockford is planning two road closures this week due to repairs at busy intersections, beginning Wednesday, September 23. CTVNews reported two lanes closed after a crash on Highway 401 Eastbound in the Toronto area. KMVT noted that overnight work at the S. Jerome interchange in Idaho will direct eastbound traffic to exit 165, with work continuing into the following day.
Commuters across multiple regions face extended detour routes and longer commute times. Local businesses are experiencing supply-chain disruptions due to closed freight corridors. State transportation agencies will conduct joint damage assessments to determine total financial losses and reconstruction timelines. Rural areas remain particularly vulnerable to repeated flood-induced closures due to aging infrastructure and drainage system limitations.
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