With recent devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene, many residents in Columbus are wondering if our city could ever face similar challenges.
While Columbus is relatively well-prepared, the history of flooding in this area shows that it’s not an impossibility. Flooding has shaped the city we know today, leading to significant infrastructure projects to protect against future disasters. But how effective are these systems, and could Columbus experience another catastrophic flood?
The Early Floods of Columbus
Flooding has been a part of Columbus’ history since the area was first settled. As far back as 1797, when Lucas Sullivant began planning his settlement in Franklinton, flooding altered his course. In 1798, just one year after laying out the lots, a flood forced him to relocate further inland. Between 1798 and 1898, there were around ten major floods, with water levels primarily affecting the banks of the Scioto River and areas like Franklinton, one of the city’s earliest settlements.
To combat these early floods, the city began constructing levees, some as wide as 30 feet and 15 feet high. These were the first of many flood prevention measures designed to protect Columbus’ growing population.
The Great Flood of 1913
One of the most significant events in Columbus’ flood history was the Great Flood of 1913. Spanning from March 24 to 27, torrential rains of around five inches over 24 hours led to widespread flooding across Central Ohio. Due to the winter’s frozen ground, water levels rose rapidly, and by March 25, much of Franklinton was submerged under 7 to 17 feet of water.
This disaster killed at least 93 people in Columbus and left the city shut down for days. Downtown bridges were destroyed, and homes were lifted off their foundations. It was one of the worst floods in Ohio’s history, leading to a long recovery process and forcing Columbus to rethink its approach to flood management.
READ MORE: The Great Flood Of 1913 Remains Columbus’s Deadliest Weather Disaster
The Role of Dams and Reservoirs
In response to frequent flooding, Columbus developed a system of dams and reservoirs to better manage water flow. Griggs Dam, completed in 1905, was one of the earliest projects designed to control flooding. This dam, along with others like Hoover and O’Shaughnessy, was crucial in reducing the flood risk along the Scioto River and other local waterways.
These reservoirs not only help control water levels during heavy rains but also serve as vital sources of water for the city. The interconnected system of reservoirs and dams has been a key part of managing the risk of flooding in the region for over a century.
The 1959 Flood and New Flood Control Systems
Views of the 1959 flood of Columbus taken January 21, 1959, in the Franklinton area.
Though the 1913 flood was the most devastating in Columbus’ history, another significant flood occurred in 1959 when an earthen levee broke. Following this event, efforts were made to reinforce the levee, and new flood control measures were put into place. Congress approved the National Flood Insurance Act, allowing cities to adopt floodplain maps and restrict development in flood-prone areas. This legislation helped protect cities like Columbus from future disasters by encouraging better planning.
In 1983, FEMA designated much of Franklinton as a floodplain, and Columbus City Council took action by restricting new construction in the area. This was a turning point for Franklinton, as many residents and businesses had already relocated to higher ground in nearby Hilltop, leading to Franklinton’s decline.
The Columbus Floodwall
A major flood management project came in the late 1980s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a floodwall to protect the city. Stretching 7.2 miles, the floodwall and levee system was designed to shield downtown Columbus, particularly Franklinton, from future floods. The floodwall cost over $134 million and took more than a decade to complete, finally opening in 2004.
Despite its completion, about 700 acres behind the floodwall still face flood risks due to poor drainage. These areas remain subject to flood insurance requirements, but the wall has significantly reduced the likelihood of large-scale flooding in the city center.
Modern Flood Management and Preparedness
Today, Columbus is much better equipped to handle potential flooding. The combination of reservoirs, levees, and the floodwall creates a comprehensive system designed to control water flow and prevent floods from overwhelming the city. Additionally, Franklin County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, ensuring that residents have access to flood insurance, which is typically not covered by standard homeowner policies.
Franklin County’s flood damage reduction regulations also ensure that new development is encouraged outside of flood-prone areas, and they promote greenways and passive recreational spaces to further mitigate flood risks.
While the threat of flooding is always present, especially with the increasing intensity of storms due to climate change, Columbus’ infrastructure is designed to withstand significant water events. However, no system is foolproof. Heavy rains, ground saturation, and unexpected weather events can still lead to localized flooding, as seen in other parts of the country.
Could Columbus Ever Flood Again?
Given the city’s history and the extensive flood management systems in place, it’s unlikely that Columbus would experience the same level of devastation seen during the Great Flood of 1913. However, the possibility of localized flooding during heavy rains remains, and we’ve seen it as recently as April, when the Scioto River flooded after heavy rains and prompted the rescue of two people trapped in the rushing water.
Columbus is in a much better position to prevent widespread disaster, but it’s always a good idea for residents, especially those living near rivers and floodplains, to stay informed and prepared for unexpected weather events.
As we’ve learned from history, floods can and do happen. However, the steps taken by the city over the past century have made Columbus far more resilient to the kind of catastrophic flooding that once threatened its future.
