A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for southwestern Muskingum County, Ohio, until 5:00 AM EDT this morning, issued by the National Weather Service office in Pittsburgh at 3:25 AM EDT. Flash flooding is already occurring — local law enforcement has reported flooded roadways in the warned area.
This is a live snapshot as of 3:35 AM EDT (12:35 AM PDT). Conditions change fast — always verify with the National Weather Service for your specific county or ZIP code.
Southwestern Muskingum County — Flash Flood Warning
Issued: 3:25 AM EDT, Monday, September 21, 2026 by NWS Pittsburgh PA (forecast office identifier KPBZ)
In effect until: 5:00 AM EDT
Hazard: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms — observed, not just radar-indicated
Source: Local law enforcement reported flooded roadways in southwestern Muskingum County
Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen across the warned area, and additional rainfall amounts of up to 0.5 inches are possible. Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses — as well as other poor-drainage and low-lying areas — is expected.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Zanesville, South Zanesville, Philo, Fultonham, Cannelville, East Fultonham, Duncan Falls, and Blue Rock State Park.
This warning is a continuation (VTEC /O.CON.KPBZ.FF.W.0153/), meaning the threat has persisted through the overnight hours. The NWS headline reads: “FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EDT EARLY THIS MORNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN MUSKINGUM COUNTY.”
Source links: the NWS alert and the NWS Pittsburgh office page.
Stay safe tonight
The National Weather Service instruction is direct: turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The alert adds a specific caution for this one: be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
If water enters the home: stay out of standing water where electricity may be present, avoid the basement until water recedes and power is confirmed off, photograph everything before cleanup — documentation matters for insurance — then call a local restoration contractor. Water left sitting starts a second wave of damage within a day.
Never drive through flooded roadways, never walk through moving water, and keep away from creeks and streams that can rise quickly without warning overnight.
What this means for restoration teams
The NWS alert flags flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, plus poor-drainage and low-lying areas — that is the NWS’s own list of where water is moving in the warned area.
- Area scope — the warned zone covers southwestern Muskingum County, including Zanesville, South Zanesville, Philo, Fultonham, Cannelville, East Fultonham, Duncan Falls, and Blue Rock State Park, per the alert.
- Rainfall so far — 0.5 to 1.5 inches already fallen, with up to 0.5 inches more possible, per the NWS.
- Observed, not forecast — this warning is based on flooded roadways already reported by local law enforcement, not radar projection.
- Expires 5:00 AM EDT — the NWS will update or extend as conditions change.
Standard intake discipline for any flash-flood event: capture address + water source + affected areas on every first call, photo-document before mitigation begins, moisture-map every affected room, and keep the homeowner’s payment responsibility clear in writing before work starts.
Local emergency contacts
Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
2215 Adamsville Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701
Phone: (740) 453-1655 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Web: muskingumcountyoh.gov/Agencies/EMA-LEPC
Director: Jeff Jadwin
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. For the latest official warning information, check the NWS Pittsburgh office page.
FEMA & federal assistance
If the flooding causes damage to your home or property, federal help may be available:
- FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 (7 a.m.–10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week)
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app
- Find recovery centers at fema.gov/drc
Basic eligibility: U.S. citizenship or qualified status, identity verification, proof of occupancy or ownership, and unmet needs not covered by insurance. Apply as soon as it’s safe to do so — document damage with photos first.
Looking ahead
This warning expires at 5:00 AM EDT. The NWS updates these warnings as conditions change — check back with the NWS Pittsburgh page before the morning commute and do not assume the water is gone when the warning lifts.
Sources & how to verify
- NWS Flash Flood Warning — Muskingum County, OH (api.weather.gov)
- National Weather Service — Pittsburgh, PA
- Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency
To verify for your own county or ZIP code: go to weather.gov, enter your location, and check the active alerts banner — or follow your local NWS office page directly.
This post is for informational purposes and is not an official weather warning. Always follow instructions from local authorities and the National Weather Service.
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