Severe Storms Bring Devastating Floods to Indiana

At least five people have lost their lives due to a severe storm system impacting Indiana, state officials reported on Saturday. The storm has caused widespread flooding, putting a strain on emergency services across the state. Governor Mike Braun mentioned discussions with President Donald Trump regarding a rapid FEMA emergency declaration.

“My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these storms,” stated Braun. He advised residents to avoid floodwaters, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Floodwaters have severely affected the Ravenwood neighborhood in Indianapolis, with streets submerged and homes surrounded. Cars are underwater, and some residents have resorted to using kayaks and rowboats to navigate. Drone footage from NBC News captured the extent of the flooding.

Indianapolis did not experience the storm’s heaviest rainfall, but floodwaters flowed downstream from areas that recorded between 6 and nearly 12 inches of rain, according to Braun. The White River overflowed, leading to the rescue of over 90 people and their pets as waters rose in Indianapolis. Central Indiana authorities described the flooding as historic.

In Delaware County, sheriff’s deputies found the body of a 58-year-old woman on Friday. Her death is believed to be linked to an attempt to drive through floodwaters. The flooding has primarily affected the river corridor from Hamilton County to the northern Indianapolis suburbs.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett urged residents along the river to evacuate during a Saturday briefing with emergency managers. He had declared a local emergency the previous day as heavy rains caused creeks and streams to swell across central Indiana.

“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods,” Jacob Spence, Marion County Emergency Management director, told The Associated Press. The flooding set new records, marking it as an unprecedented event for the region.

According to the National Weather Service, some areas received over 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain over two days. The White River reached a crest of more than 24 feet (7.32 meters) in Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records from 1913.

Flash flood warnings and watches continued across central Indiana on Saturday, with more showers and thunderstorms expected. In Warren County, there were reports of 2 inches of rainfall in the last six hours. Social media posts showed vehicles stranded in high water, felled power poles, and flooded intersections.

Rescue operations in Indianapolis enlisted the National Guard, with its vehicles playing a crucial role. Rita Reith, from the Indianapolis Fire Department, reported that 91 people and 45 pets had been rescued by early afternoon. Todd Wilson, public works director, urged residents to remain cautious, noting that the water levels were still rising.

Earlier in the week, severe storms had already affected other parts of the Midwest, resulting in tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding. The storm caused damage from Chicago to western Pennsylvania.