OTTAWA, Ohio (AP) -- A new flood warning system is being set up in a northwest Ohio town that's suffered through more than its share of flooding in recent years.

The new system will send text alerts to residents of Ottawa at least 24 hours before a flood comes.

An official with the U.S. Geological Survey says the $200,000 warning system will pay for itself because it will give people in the Putnam County town more time to protect their belongings from the water.

A flood there nearly five years ago caused an estimated $12 million. There have been several less serious floods since then.

The warning system is similar to one put in place three years ago in nearby Findlay.