Flood warnings in effect after heavy rain in area

After four inches or more of rain in some spots, we can now expect moderate flooding later this week along some waterways.

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, flood warnings are going into effect for rivers in our area including East Fork White River at Columbus and Seymour, Flatrock River, Big Blue River at Shelbyville, Driftwood River and Haw Creek. Forecasters warn that rain continues to fall in the area and heavy rain remains in the forecast for the next few days which could worsen the flooding.

An areal flood warning is now in effect for much of our area, with runoff from the heavy rains causing flooding along creeks, streams and other low-lying or flood-prone locations. That flood warning includes all of Bartholomew and Brown counties, ,western Decatur, southern Johnson and southwestern Shelby counties.

A flood warning is now in effect for Haw Creek, with minor flooding ongoing and minor flooding expected. The river was at 9.4 feet at Hope this morning, about half a foot above the minor flood stage. The river was at 12.9 feet earlier this morning at Clifford, nearly a foot above the minor flood stage. It should drop back below flood levels later this morning.

The most serious flooding currently forecast will be at East Fork White River in Seymour and downstream. East Fork White River is at Seymour is expected to enter the minor flood stage later this afternoon, then pass the moderate flood level Thursday morning, before cresting in the moderate flood stage by Friday morning.

According to estimates from river gauges, East Fork White River at Columbus is expected to reach the minor flood level early Thursday morning and crest in the minor flood stage by Friday afternoon.

Driftwood River at Edinburgh is expected to rise into minor flooding early Thursday morning and crest at just below the moderate flood level by Friday morning.

Flatrock River at Columbus is expected to reach the minor flood level early Thursday morning and crest in the minor flood stage by Friday morning. That flood warning will be in effect until Sunday evening.

Emergency officials urge you not to drive onto flooded roadways. They say most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Turn around and don’t drown.

You can find up to date information on river levels here: https://1010wcsi.com/weather-forecast/#flooding