Central Indiana is bracing for what could be major flooding across the region, according to a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. The watch, which covers all of Central Indiana, is in effect through Sunday morning due to the forecast of several rounds of heavy rainfall expected to last through the weekend.
Residents have been warned of possible flooding caused by excessive rainfall, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone locations, where extensive street flooding is possible. "Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring," as stated in a Flood Warning for Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have already fallen in some areas, as per the National Weather Service.
Moreover, a Hazardous Weather Outlook has also been issued, forecasting isolated to scattered thunderstorms, with severe storms not expected initially but potentially occurring Friday afternoon through Saturday. The storms, coupled with more heavy rain, are expected to exacerbate the flooding conditions and could lead to significant river flooding later in the week and into the weekend. The NWS cautions the public to monitor forecasts and to be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
The situation looks to be especially dire for the White River at Ravenswood, as the Flood Warning in effect anticipates moderate to potentially major flooding. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Saturday morning and continue to rise to a crest of 10.2 feet by Sunday evening. This level of flooding could result in serious consequences for the Ravenswood area. "At 10.0 feet, Serious flooding begins in the Ravenswood area," warns the NWS. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded areas, with the commonly touted advice: Turn around, don't drown.
As the community battens down the hatches and readies for the impending deluge, local emergency services and flood response teams are likely to be on high alert. Indiana's experiences with flooding in the past have shown the importance of early preparations and vigilance—lessons that are all the more pertinent in the face of this current challenge.
