Flood Emergency Declared in East-Central Indiana Amid Severe Rainfall

Thousands of residents in east-central Indiana faced urgent evacuation orders on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a Flash Flood Emergency for Muncie and surrounding areas due to severe flooding from heavy rain.

The warning, issued at 10:17 a.m. EDT, affected Delaware County until 4:15 p.m. EDT. Emergency officials reported 3 to 6 inches of rain had already fallen in Muncie, with the potential for 2 more inches. Flash flooding was confirmed, and the NWS described the situation as “particularly dangerous.”

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Muncie. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!

Life-threatening floods threatened roads, underpasses, creeks, streams, and urban areas in the city. Areas impacted include Muncie, Yorktown, Chesterfield, Albany, Eaton, Daleville, Gaston, Selma, Ball State University, and the Prairie Creek Reservoir.

Residents received advice to avoid travel unless evacuating, with a reminder, “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads.

Local reports indicated forced evacuations in parts of Muncie. Emergency teams assisted stranded motorists and flooded homes. Some neighborhoods on the city’s south side received mandatory evacuation orders as water levels rose.

Delaware County Emergency Management advised residents, “If significant flooding approaches your home, consider evacuating now—before rising waters make leaving impossible. Do not wait until roads become impassable. Never drive through flooded roadways.”

The NWS warned of “catastrophic” flood damage, with heavy rain anticipated to persist throughout the afternoon.

This is an evolving story. Updates will follow.