(Statewide) – Indiana State Police and INDOT are urging drivers to travel safely in areas experiencing flooding and the aftermath of Tuesday’s storms.
Over the past 24 hours, locations in the southeast, central and northeast parts of Indiana have seen upwards of six to eight inches of rain, with more expected through the end of the week leading to impassable roads.
In our area, Franklin County is under a Level Orange Travel Watch, which means only essential travel to and from work or emergencies. Businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations are urged to implement emergency plans.
Public safety officials in Franklin County say dangerous flooding conditions were occurring in Laurel. They advise you that flood waters move swiftly and rise rapidly, and that you should not enter waters by vehicle or on foot.
“Driving into flooded areas is extremely dangerous and may result in injury or death. DO NOT travel by car or foot unless evacuating flooded area or under an evacuation order. DO NOT walk or drive through moving water or on flooded roadways,” officials said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the Whitewater River in Franklin County was expected to crest early Thursday morning at 22 feet, which is five feet above flood stage. Evacuation shelters were operating overnight at the Schilling Center in Brookville, Metamora Church of God, and the Metamora and Laurel community centers.
Both Decatur and Ripley counties are under a Yellow Travel Advisory. Yellow is the lowest level of local travel advisory. It means routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and you should use caution or avoid those areas.
You can check your county’s travel status here.
“I’m closely monitoring conditions and have directed INDOT, Indiana State Police and our other state agencies to deploy resources wherever they’re needed as severe weather continues across Indiana,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Please take road closures and high-water warnings seriously. Plan your travel carefully, avoid areas prone to flooding and never drive around barricades or through floodwaters.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen state highways and U.S. routes were closed across Indiana due to flooding and weather-related impacts. That number could potentially grow with additional severe weather expected through Friday.
INDOT crews are implementing road closures where necessary, as well as clearing drains and debris from roadways, to maintain safe travel conditions. State Police are continuing to patrol roadways, assisting motorists and providing support to local agencies in the hardest hit communities.
“INDOT is actively working to address weather-related issues on state-maintained roads,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “The agency is keeping a close eye on conditions and closing roads as necessary to help keep people out of harm’s way. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways.”
“Safety must always come first during heavy rainfall and flooding events,” said ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott. “We urge everyone to avoid areas with high water, as conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet, and just twelve inches to sweep away small vehicles. Please obey all road closures, never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roadways, and remember the lifesaving rule: turn around, don’t drown.”
If you must travel and encounter high water, do not attempt to continue driving. Always turn around and find an alternate route. Remember to slow down, turn on your headlights and watch for ponding or debris in the roadway as weather moves through.
Due to widespread power outages, drivers may find non-functioning traffic signals. In these instances, intersections should be treated as all-way stops.
View the latest updates on road closures and conditions from INDOT at 511in.org
