Chapelle News

Village of Buckeye Lake Orders Mandatory Evacuation as South Fork of the Licking River Swells, Floodwater Closes I-70 and Threatens Homes Near Buckeye Lake

BUCKEYE LAKE, OH — The Village of Buckeye Lake has issued a mandatory evacuation order as rising water threatens properties in part of the village and floodwater continues to cover Interstate 70 nearby. The order began Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. and is set to last 24 hours unless the mayor lifts it sooner, according to a village Facebook post.

Village officials said the evacuation is intended to protect residents in the affected area. The order applies to all properties west of the SR 79 and SR 360 intersection within the Village of Buckeye Lake, as the South Fork of the Licking River was forecast to crest at 883.50 feet. The river was measured at 881.54 feet.

Responders And Road Closures

Ohio Department of Transportation officials said I-70 is closed in both directions near Buckeye Lake after floodwaters moved across the highway. The rain has stopped, but the water is still rising, and ODOT said the flood gauge near the interstate is not expected to fall below flood stage until about 11 p.m. Saturday.

ODOT also said I-70 is expected to stay closed in both directions until at least 5 p.m. Friday, though reopening will depend on roadway conditions. Matt Bruning with ODOT said the closure is a small inconvenience compared with the losses some residents are facing and urged drivers to be patient while crews and local officials deal with the flooding.

Neighbors Brace For Damage

Residents along North Bank Road Northeast said they have been helping one another move belongings to higher ground and make space for vehicles as the water rises. Some neighbors said they are trying to prepare for more flooding after seeing the water reach a level they had not experienced before.

John Winkle, who lives near the lake, said he had never seen the water come that far and worried it was still creeping closer. Juliet Barnhart said the group was trying to prepare for the worst, though some neighbors were already dealing with property damage, including boats breaking loose from lifts as the water rose.

What Happens Next

Officials have not said whether the evacuation area will expand, but the village order remains in effect for 24 hours unless lifted by the mayor. Residents in the affected area should follow updates from the Village of Buckeye Lake, and drivers should check ODOT for the latest information on Interstate 70 conditions and reopening plans.

For now, the flood response is centered on protecting people, homes and access roads while the South Fork of the Licking River continues to be monitored. ODOT said the water has only reached this level twice before in the past decade, underscoring how closely transportation and neighborhood conditions remain tied to the river’s rise.

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