River ice floes could cause flooding as weather warms this week

Emergency officials are warning that we could be in for some backed up rivers and streams soon, as warming temperatures melt the snow pack and frozen water surfaces that could lead to ice jams.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management Department, the snow on the ground now is holding the equivalent of half an inch to an inch and a half or more of water. Warming temperatures will send that into local waterways that are starting to thaw out and speed the break up of the ice. The possibility of rainfall late next week could also accelerate the process.

The ensuing ice jams could cause local flooding and officials are asking you to be alert to the dangers and to help to report any concerning buildups to authorities.

You should be alert for shifting, cracking or thinning river ice with large chucks of ice or entire sheets moving downstream. The ice could pile up in narrow channels or bends in the stream. And be alert for any signs of flooding around these backed up ice floes.