THIS STORY IS CONTINUALLY BEING UPDATED -

While Bluffton slept on April 26, rain continued to fall. When we awoke our daily routine changed in several ways:

12:07 a.m. –
Nixle announcement from Bluffton PD:
There are several roads closed in town due to flash flooding. The Riley Creek is continuing to rise. It is unknown how high the Riley will get but if you live in flood prone areas you should take your normal precautions. Rain is expected to continue throughout the night making it likely that the Riley Creek will flood out of its banks.

5:05 a.m. -
Nixle announcement from Bluffton PD:
Riley Creek has overflowed and water is now across College Avenue, North Main Street, Cherry Street, on university property, and soon at Spring and Riley. Take immediate action in flood prone areas. Sandbags will soon be available at the EMS building behind the Fire Department. 

5:42 a.m. –
Ohio Alerts announcement -
Bluffton school on a 2-hour delay due to flooding on roads.

6:39 a.m. –
Ohio Alerts announcement –
Kindergarten Safety City field trip postponed to a later date.

6:45 a.m. –
Ohio Alerts announcement –
First grade pen pal field trip postponed to a later date.

7:30 a.m. –
Ohio Alerts announcement –
Bluffton schools cancelled. Make-up date is Friday, May 31.

8:06 a.m.
Ohio Department of Transportation announcement –
Allen and Hancock Counties: Interstate 75 and state routes affected by high water

The following highways in northwest Ohio are closed or being monitored due to high water. Highways listed are either currently closed or restricted, but closed areas on each route will vary as flood levels change.

Check the OHGO app for real-time updates on restrictions and closures on state highways.

Residents should refer to their respective county sheriff’s office for information on local road closures. Motorists are reminded not to drive through areas of high water.

ALLEN COUNTY- Interstate 75
Interstate 75 northbound between the villages of Beaverdam and Bluffton is currently closed. Traffic is detoured onto U.S. 30, state Route 235 and state Route 103 back to Interstate 75 northbound.

Interstate 75 southbound between the villages of Beaverdam and Bluffton is currently restricted to one lane.

HANCOCK COUNTY
• U.S. 68/state Route 15 at Eagle Creek
• State Route 235 south of U.S. 224
• State Route 568 at the Blanchard River

10 a.m. –
Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club announcement –
Tom Augsburger announced the postponement (due to today's flooding) of this year's 75th Fishing Derby till June 9. Call Augsburger at 419-384-3674 for more details.

10:21 a.m. –
Nixle announcement from Bluffton PD:
Phone lines for the Bluffton village offices are currently down. Please use 614-382-6077 for Village Offices and for non-emergency police and fire calls use 419-227-3535. If you have an emergency call 911.

10:51 a.m. -
Ohio Alerts:
Bluffton High School juniors and seniors who need to turn in prom forms or buy tickets may do so at the door tomorrow night. BHS is open until 3 p.m.