SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — Scioto County declared a state of emergency on Monday after the remnants of Helene brought severe winds and dumped inches of rain in southern Ohio last week.
According to Scioto County Emergency Management, more than 12,000 AEP Ohio customers in the county lost power during the height of the storm. High winds knocked down dozens of trees and power lines. Roadways were blocked and flooding caused home damage in the Portsmouth and New Boston areas.
Commissioners voted to pass a resolution to declare an emergency Monday morning.
The agency said several water rescues were performed as first responders pulled people trapped by flood waters from their vehicles and some from their homes.
With an emergency being declared, the county is hoping to receive state resources and funds to help with cleanup and recovery efforts.
Helene caused extensive damage to multiple states in the southeastern part of the country.
Authorities are struggling to get supplies to isolated areas across in the wake of Helene and the death toll from the storm is rising. Massive rains brought on by Helene left many people stranded or homeless around the region. The storm has killed at least 91 people across several states.
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