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Last updated on Wednesday, April 4, 2018
(UNDATED) - Strong thunderstorms that swept heavy rains into Indiana has prompted a flash flood warning for a swath of the state’s mid-section.
The warning issued Tuesday covers an area from Terre Haute to Indianapolis to Greensburg, extending to the Ohio state line.
Residents were urged to pay close attention to water levels in smaller streams and creeks, while motorists were reminded not to drive into floodwaters.
Television footage showed cars stuck in high water Tuesday morning on Interstate 65 along Indianapolis' south suburbs.
The National Weather Service says Tuesday's deluge initially broke a rainfall record for the date when thunderstorms dropped 2.4 inches of rain, eclipsing the previous record set in 1892.
Additional storms pushed Tuesday's rainfall total to 3.12 inches shortly before noon, setting a new daily rainfall record for the month of April in Indiana's capital. The old record was 3.06 inches set on April 19, 2011.
Flooding plagued most of the state Tuesday as severe weather prompted severe weather warnings and watches for many counties.
In Bartholomew County Emergency Management along with local public safety officials, are warning residents about possible flooding.
Historical flood data and stream gauge information suggest the prospect of flooding in multiple areas of the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County including The Lagoons, Bethel Village, Reo Street, Lawton Avenue, 1100-1800 blocks of Washington Street, Franklin Street, and Lafayette Avenue, according to a BCEMA news release.
The anticipated flooding will likely impact the morning commute with the expected closure of the several roadways including parts of Jonathan Moore Pike (S.R. 46), State Road 11 in Garden City, Indianapolis Road, and Southern Crossing (County Road 400 South).
Several Bartholomew County roads are closed at this time with additional closures expected.
Local law enforcement is contacting residents in neighborhoods that are expected to be impacted by the anticipated flood event. The Southern Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at Donner Center (739 22nd Street) in Columbus at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night should residents need housing assistance. Columbus Animal Care Services will also be set up at this location to provide assistance should it be needed.
Persons in the area of the anticipated flood event should make preparations at this time to evacuate their home in the event of rising floodwater. Residents are reminded to avoid traveling across flooded areas and roadways.
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