BLACK SWAN - CC25NEWS2A

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Lucas County Mobilizes Response Efforts as Flooding Crisis Grips Lake Erie Communities

Toledo, OH – June 8, 2025 – In the wake of a devastating summer storm that struck late Friday night, Lucas County officials have launched a robust response to support residents displaced by severe flooding along Lake Erie’s shore. The storm, which followed a week of heavy rainfall, inundated neighborhoods like Toledo’s Point Place, leaving homes flooded, power and communications crippled, and thousands in need of assistance.

Lucas County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) activated its emergency operations center within hours of the storm’s onset, coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to address the crisis. “Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” said EMA Director Karen Holt. “The flooding in communities along Lake Erie, particularly in Point Place, has been unprecedented, and we’re doing everything we can to support those affected.”

Three emergency shelters were opened across Lucas County to house evacuees. The largest, at the SeaGate Centre in downtown Toledo, is currently sheltering over 200 families displaced from Point Place and other low-lying areas. Two additional shelters—one at the Lucas County Recreation Center and another at Sylvania Northview High School—are providing refuge for another 150 individuals. The American Red Cross is managing the shelters, distributing meals, blankets, and hygiene kits. “We’ve seen a lot of folks who lost everything to the floodwaters,” said Red Cross volunteer Emily Sanders. “We’re here to provide a safe place and help them start to recover.”

The SeaGate Centre in Toledo becomes a haven for over 200 families displaced by flooding on June 8, 2025. (Stock Photo, Courtesy Toledo Blade)

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and Toledo Fire Department have conducted over 50 water rescues since Friday night, focusing on Point Place, where murky brown waters reached the front steps of many homes. “We’ve been going door-to-door, helping people get out safely,” said Sheriff Mike Navarre. “Some residents were trapped in their homes as the water rose rapidly.” The rescues were complicated by widespread power outages affecting over 40,000 residents in Lucas County alone, with downed lines posing additional hazards.

To keep residents informed amidst communication disruptions, Lucas County Alerts has been sending emergency notifications via text and email, urging people to evacuate flood-prone areas and seek shelter. However, with cell service spotty, officials have also deployed mobile units to broadcast updates via loudspeakers in affected neighborhoods. “We’re doing our best to reach everyone, but the loss of power and cell service has made communication challenging,” Holt noted.

The National Guard was deployed to assist with distributing supplies and clearing debris from major roads like Shoreland Avenue, which remains impassable due to flooding and fallen trees. Governor Mike DeWine, who declared a state of emergency for Lucas and other affected counties, visited Toledo on Saturday morning to survey the damage. “The state is fully committed to supporting Lucas County through this disaster,” DeWine said, announcing that FEMA teams would arrive by Monday to provide additional resources, including emergency meals and water.

Local organizations have also stepped up. The Toledo Area Humane Society is working with shelters to care for pets of evacuees, ensuring animals are housed safely. Meanwhile, community groups like the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club have been delivering food and water to elderly residents unable to reach shelters.

A National Guard truck navigates a partially flooded street in Point Place, unloading crates of bottled water and emergency supplies. In the background, a group of volunteers helps a family load belongings into a boat to evacuate their flooded home.

National Guard and volunteers assist with supply distribution and evacuations in Toledo’s Point Place on June 8, 2025.

As cleanup begins, officials are warning residents to stay cautious. “Floodwaters can hide dangers like downed power lines and debris,” said Holt. “We’re urging people to avoid wading through water and to follow safety guidelines.” The county has set up a hotline for residents to report damage and request assistance, while the Red Cross is offering support for flood cleanup, including guidance on disinfecting homes and sorting debris.

With more rain forecast for the coming days, Lucas County remains on high alert. “We’re preparing for the possibility of additional flooding,” Holt said. “But for now, our focus is on getting people to safety and ensuring they have the resources they need.” For those displaced, the road to recovery will be long, but the community’s response has offered a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis.

This is a developing story.

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