Afternoon Storm Floods Africa Road
Heavy Rain Temporarily Closes Portions of Africa Road Near Construction Site
A fast-moving afternoon storm brought heavy rain and unexpected flooding to Africa Road near the East of Africa development project, forcing a temporary closure of the roadway in two locations.
The first flooded area, near the historic Sharp House, was reported by workers at the Central Ohio Primary Care offices located directly across the street from the development site.
The flooding occurred where a natural stream passes under the road and was worsened by sediment control dams installed to block runoff from the construction site. While these barriers are meant to protect the storm drains from debris, they also obstructed stormwater during the downpour, causing it to pool on the road surface.
As police officers responded to the original flooding report, a second flooded area was identified closer to County Line Road, prompting an additional closure. City workers and contractors acted quickly, manually redirecting water and clearing drainage paths.
Africa Road was closed to through traffic for less than an hour. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported, and the road was reopened shortly after the storm passed.
Summer's Bounty and Easy Access at Westerville Farmers Market
The Westerville Saturday Farmers Market is currently filled with the flavors of summer. Shoppers can find a wide selection of seasonal favorites, including sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and juicy peaches, all sourced from local growers.
The market is temporarily located in the parking lots of COhatch and North High Brewing at 240 S. State St., due to construction at its usual site, City Hall. It remains a popular destination on Saturday mornings, drawing large crowds each week.
Getting to the market is easy for everyone. For those driving, ample free parking is available in the lots behind Cornerstone Community Church, at the Westerville Public Library, and at the city building located at 64 E. Walnut St. Cyclists can take advantage of Westerville's extensive bike trail system, which runs directly by the market. Bike parking is conveniently located at the rear of the market, making it simple for riders to stop and shop.
Hosted by Uptown Westerville Inc., the market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, through September 27. In addition to a wide variety of fresh produce, patrons can also find meats, baked goods, and prepared foods, all sourced from local producers.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westervilleâits local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, and This Week in Toledo.
