Ohio Town Turns Into Island Overnight | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 21, 2026 · 1m

Pataskala, Ohio turned into a watery nightmare overnight as the South Fork Licking River overflowed, submerging streets and homes—turning yards into lakes and cars into floating islands. Fire crews raced to rescue people by dawn, while residents like Chris Peters watched helplessly as floodwaters surged into his basement, washing away cherished heirlooms and even floating his washer and dryer. With dark humor, Peters joked he now owns “lakefront property.” Officials are still assessing damage, but the top priority remains getting water levels down and ensuring everyone’s safety as communities…