The experts got it wrong… The forecast from the U.S. Department of agriculture weather bureau was printed in local central Ohio papers on March 24, 1913. "A storm has moved from the central Rocky Mountain region eastward toward the lakes during the past 24 hours and has caused damaging, local storms and heavy rainfalls. It is passing away to the east, and there is no danger of damaging storms in the vicinity."
By 10 AM the following day, the 15' tall levees could no longer handle the surging Scioto River and massive water flow. Where the river turns as it enters downtown, the levee broke across from the Ohio Penn, pouring water into Franklinton.
Sitting squarely at the confluence fo the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, the Municipal Light Plant was located directly in the flood zone. Water levels rose throughout the area ranging from 7-17 feet.
The Great Flood of 1913 ravaged much of middle America causing over $300 million in damages. Following the flood, the Scioto River was widened as new development began to line the riverfront to protect against future issues. Finally, in the 1990's a flood wall was constructed to prevent the Scioto River from impacting the area again.