At least seven people across several Indiana counties have died in flooding described by officials as historic, officials said. While some hard-hit areas are beginning to recover, forecasters warned additional severe weather could bring more rain and renewed flooding.
The National Weather Service said portions of the state received more than 11 inches of rain over a three-day period that began Aug. 11. Thunderstorms moving across central Indiana late Sunday evening could produce heavy rainfall and exacerbate flooding in neighborhoods and along rivers already under stress.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett posted on social media that the city was experiencing “its most severe flooding in 30+ years.” The Indianapolis Department of Public Works said floodwaters have started to recede and some flood-control gates have been reopened. The department added that engineering crews will closely monitor levees, gates and other infrastructure, clear debris that blocks natural flow and continue regular checks as water levels change.
Rivers remain a major concern. The White River at Anderson rose to a record 24.9 feet, according to federal water gauges, and high water was reported along the Wabash River and the East Fork White River.
As of Sunday afternoon more than 128,000 customers across the state were without power, NIPSCO reported. Utility crews are working to restore service while communities organize local recovery efforts.
Volunteers gathered in Rocky Ripple, a neighborhood northwest of Indianapolis, to fill sandbags and reinforce a levee. Hundreds of people came to a volleyball court to help, and longtime resident Margaret Brabant, wearing a life jacket, directed incoming cars of volunteers — many of whom she said were not from Rocky Ripple.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana on Saturday, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance for response and recovery.
The National Weather Service also warned that thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and possible flooding to parts of West Virginia on Sunday.
NPR’s Laura Sullivan contributed to this report.