Five to six inches of rain hammered parts of Hamilton County on Friday, turning neighborhood streets into fast-moving channels and leaving residents facing contaminated basements, damaged property and piles of debris.
The Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency confirmed that multiple jurisdictions beyond Cincinnati and Norwood were impacted. Residents anywhere in Hamilton County who experienced flooding, including those in Montgomery, Blue Ash and Sycamore Township, should treat all water that entered their homes as contaminated, according to Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Director Diana Christy.
"Water from flash flooding or sewer backups, regardless of whether it came from the sewer or was stormwater that rushed in without entering the sewer, that is going to be contaminated water, and it can be very destructive," Christy told WVXU on Monday.
The scope of the damage
The Cincinnati Fire Department received nearly 200 emergency calls during the flooding, conducted at least 40 water rescues and deployed all on-duty personnel. Assistant Fire Chief Matt Flagler confirmed one person was killed in Fairfax and three others were hospitalized. Cincinnati called for mutual aid from Colerain Township, Miami Township and Clermont County.
By Monday, MSD had received more than 900 reports of sewer backups and basement flooding. Christy said crews have been working overtime since the weekend and will continue through the week.
How to report damage and get help
Residents outside Cincinnati city limits can report debris, blocked roadways or drainage concerns by calling 513-765-1212 or using 311cincy.org. Those within city limits should call 311 or use the 311 Cincy mobile app.
To report a sewer backup, call MSD at 513-352-4900 or visit msdgc.org/sbu. MSD's website also has a cleanup guide for residents dealing with suspected sewer backups.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is responding across Hamilton County. Residents can reach them at 740-509-1132.
The Crossroads United Way COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) Relief Fund is accepting donations for flood relief. Text COADRELIEF to 41444 or donate at crossroadsuw.org/disaster.
The Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency maintains a full resource list at hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/emergency_management/july2026flooding.php.
More storms possible Tuesday
National Weather Service Meteorologist Julie Dian-Reed warned Monday that additional strong storms could hit the area on Tuesday, with clustering storms possible. She said damaging wind is the primary concern.
Dian-Reed encouraged residents to confirm that emergency alert settings are enabled on their smartphones to receive NWS warnings.
As of Sunday at 10 a.m., all major roads in Hamilton County had reopened, according to the county's emergency management page. Residents should still exercise caution in low-lying areas, particularly with additional rain possible.
Community resources
- Sewer backup reports: MSD, 513-352-4900 or msdgc.org/sbu
- Storm damage/debris (outside Cincinnati): 513-765-1212 or 311cincy.org
- Salvation Army disaster services: 740-509-1132
- COAD Relief Fund donations: Text COADRELIEF to 41444 or crossroadsuw.org/disaster
- Full county resource list: hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/emergency_management/july2026flooding.php
