Severe Storm Hits Indiana, Causing Deaths and Widespread Flooding

A significant storm system recently hit Indiana, resulting in at least five deaths, according to state officials. Communities across the state are experiencing severe flooding, challenging emergency services.

Governor Mike Braun announced Saturday he had spoken with President Donald Trump to expedite a FEMA emergency declaration. Braun expressed condolences and urged residents to avoid floodwaters, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

In the Ravenwood neighborhood of Indianapolis, streets were submerged under murky floodwaters on Saturday. Homes were surrounded by water, with residents resorting to kayaks and rowboats for navigation, as drone footage by NBC News revealed. Although the city didn’t receive the heaviest rainfall, floodwaters from areas that recorded 6 to nearly 12 inches have moved downstream into Indianapolis.

Authorities rescued over 90 people and their pets as waters rose along the White River in Indianapolis, marking what many described as historic flooding. The damage was concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County to the northern suburbs of the city. In Delaware County, deputies discovered the body of a 58-year-old woman who reportedly died attempting to drive through floodwaters.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, alongside emergency managers, urged residents along the river to evacuate during a Saturday briefing. He had previously declared a local emergency, citing heavy rains that swelled creeks and streams throughout central Indiana.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime flood,” said Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, highlighting the event’s unprecedented nature.

The National Weather Service documented over 11 inches of rain in some areas over two days. The White River’s crest exceeded 24 feet in communities like Anderson and Noblesville, breaking records from 1913.

Flash flood warnings and watches were issued across central Indiana on Saturday. Forecasters from the National Weather Service warned of additional showers and thunderstorms anticipated. In Warren County, 2 inches of rain fell within six hours.

On social media, residents shared videos of vehicles stranded in high water, power poles knocked over by water, and flooded intersections.

Forecasters anticipated the White River would crest Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area. Meanwhile, National Guard vehicles assisted in rescue efforts. Rita Reith from the Indianapolis Fire Department reported 91 rescues, including 45 pets, by early afternoon.

Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department, cautioned, “The water is still rising, so heed the warnings.”

Earlier in the week, storms also caused destruction in other Midwest regions, with tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding. Storm damage extended from the Chicago area to western Pennsylvania.