Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, August 31, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - As rain and wind from Hurricane Isaac approach Indiana, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is asking everyone to join emergency management officials in preparing for potential storms and localized flooding.
As the prediction stands now, the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting that Indiana may receive 2-8 inches of rain by Tuesday. Central Indiana and areas south along the I-70 corridor, including Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Bloomington, are expected to receive the heaviest amounts of rainfall. Please see the attached rainfall prediction map from NWS and visit weather.gov/ind for more information.
Rain is expected to fall steadily from Saturday through Monday and cause only minor flooding in some low-lying and river bank areas. Locations that may be particularly prone to flooding include areas around the Wabash, Eel, and lower White rivers and the east fork of the White River around Jackson County.
A cold front from the north may also mix with warm air from Hurricane Isaac and create the potential for strong straight line winds and scattered tornadoes. Unlike typical Indiana springtime tornadoes, these may be shorter lived, but harder to spot because they may be masked in rain.
"While at this point we only anticipate receiving minor, localized flooding in portions of Indiana, IDHS and local officials are monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any weather related emergencies that may arise," said IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. "We're asking all Hoosiers to also be alert and prepared."
Many Hoosiers remember in September 2008 that residual flooding and strong winds from Hurricane Ike claimed the lives of 7 people, forced 5,000 people in Munster, IN to evacuate, and left 350,000 residents across the state without power.
• The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has been monitoring, and will continue to monitor, possible effects from Isaac.
• The Indiana Emergency Operations Center is staffed 24 hours a day and is in constant communication with the National Weather Service and local emergency officials.
• IDHS is prepared, equipped and ready to assist local emergency management agencies with any storm-related emergencies quickly.
Everyone is asked to remain alert, prepare for possible flooding and storm related emergencies, and take precautions to stay safe if flooding does occur.
Remain alert
The recent drought and hard, dry ground conditions may increase the risk for flash flooding. Be especially watchful if you live in areas that typically flood.
Prepare for flooding
• Keep up to date on local conditions - follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone).
• Review your tornado plan - know where to go should strong winds or a tornado occur. Basements are a primary choice, followed by rooms with no exterior walls and no windows.
• Check your family's emergency supply kit - Store enough food, water, medication and other essentials to take care of your family and pets for at least 72 hours.
• Remember food safety - power outages may happen as a result of a storm or flooding. If your home loses power, help keep food safe by grouping items together in the freezer or storing them in a cooler
• Have a communication plan - be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Remember, sometimes text messages may get through when a phone call cannot.
Stay safe during flooding
• Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas - it takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and only two feet to move a vehicle. If a road is closed, find another route.
• Follow the directions of public safety officials - Whether an evacuation, road closure or request to stay at home or stay away from certain areas, orders from public safety officials are for your well being. Follow their guidance.
For more information about preparing for severe weather visit GetPrepared.in.gov.
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