This weekend’s storms brought intense flash flooding to parts of Central Ohio, with Lancaster seeing some of the most severe impacts. Fast-moving floodwaters overtook homes, roads, businesses, and even a beloved dog daycare, leaving behind widespread damage and an ongoing community recovery effort.
One of the hardest-hit places was FIDO (Finishing Institute for Dog Owners), where flooding struck not once but twice in 24 hours. After evacuating the dogs Saturday night due to rising water, the facility was hit again Sunday when nearby streams overflowed with little warning. In minutes, water surged through the building, reportedly reaching waist height and trapping both staff and animals inside.
Emergency responders helped evacuate the facility, and all dogs were safely removed, though one, a dog named Scooby, is currently unaccounted for. The force of the water damaged fencing, scattered debris, and even moved large outdoor fixtures. Dog owners have been asked to pick up their pets from the Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter, which plans to reopen Monday morning.
Flooding also displaced dozens of families from an apartment complex on Sater Drive, where floodwaters swamped cars and poured into ground-level units. Residents described losing everything from furniture to sentimental items. Many spent Sunday night with friends or at temporary shelters.
Emergency teams, including local fire departments and the Fairfield County EMA, responded to widespread damage, from flooded medical centers and shuttered grocery stores to washed-out rural roads. In some areas, streets became rivers, and vehicles were left stranded or submerged.
To assist those affected, the American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Lancaster YMCA, offering support and temporary housing to displaced residents.
Officials say flooding happened fast and with little time to prepare. With the ground already saturated, more rainfall could trigger additional flooding in the coming days. Authorities are urging people to stay alert, avoid driving through standing water, and have an emergency plan in place.
As cleanup begins, the Lancaster community is coming together. Checking on neighbors, caring for pets, and helping each other recover from this disaster.
