The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Athens County in effect from 1:00PM, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, until 2:00AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

WHERE…Portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, and West Virginia.

WHEN…From 1:00PM, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, until 2:00AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Training or backbuilding thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight could create swaths of heavy rain, resulting in rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches.

– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Additional information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rlx as well as on Twitter and Facebook pages.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio Friday, July 17, 2026, from 7:00 AM until midnight as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to adversely impact air quality.

Pollutants across the state are expected to range from the “Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups” category in the southwest part of the state to the “Unhealthy” category in the rest of the state. Hourly concentrations at times may reach the “Very Unhealthy” to “Hazardous” categories.

Air quality advisory “sensitive groups” are populations at higher risk of experiencing health effects from air pollution like smog or wildfire smoke. This includes children and teenagers, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with pre-existing heart or lung diseases (such as asthma, COPD, or diabetes).

It is recommended, when possible, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes.

For additional actions and information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency`s web site at epa.ohio.gov

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio, Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 7:00 AM until midnight.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires will adversely impact air quality. The Agency expects the Air Quality Index to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range.

What to Do During an Air Quality Advisory

• Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
• Refuel your vehicle after 6 p.m., do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
• Do not idle your vehicle
• Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
• Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
• Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Advisory days
• Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Advisory days
• Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
• Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
• Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Advisory days
• Conserve electricity

For additional actions and information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency`s web site at epa.ohio.gov