Full Breakdown
Historic Flooding Across Central Indiana
8/16/2026, 12:01:40 AM
Core Event
Heavy rain over two days caused the White River and numerous creeks to surge to record levels, submerging neighborhoods in Indianapolis and surrounding counties. State officials reported at least five fatalities, and the National Weather Service warned the river could crest again as additional storms moved in. Rescue operations involved dozens of agencies, including the Indiana National Guard, which deployed vehicles and boats to evacuate residents and retrieve stranded pets.
Background & Context
The flooding followed severe storms that also produced a derecho, tornadoes and widespread power outages across the Midwest. Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and mobilized the Guard. It was the first Flash Flood Emergency issued by the NWS for parts of southeast Indiana.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: More than 11 in (28 cm) in some locations over two days; Warren County recorded 2 in in six hours.
- River crests: Anderson’s White River reached 24.9 ft, surpassing the 1913 record; Noblesville recorded 24.6 ft.
- Rescues: Over 90 people and 45 pets rescued, according to AP and local fire officials.
- Deaths: At least five confirmed fatalities.
- Power outages: Over 150,000 customers without electricity across Indiana and Ohio.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Braun pledged to protect “Hoosier lives and livelihoods” and confirmed President Donald Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration to release up to $5 million in federal resources. Mayor Joe Hogsett urged river-side residents to evacuate and declared a local emergency. Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, called the event “once-in-a-lifetime.” Todd Wilson, director of Indianapolis Public Works, warned that “the water is still rising, so heed the warnings.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Timothy Hicks, a father of six from Cambridge City, described the panic as floodwaters entered his home: “My kids’ house is gone.” Cyndee Gillmore, owner of the Cornerstone Campground in New Castle, reported five feet of water inundating the facility and noted many homeowners lack flood insurance. Sheriff Tony Skinner said officials will act “until the river goes down several more feet.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fatalities: State officials cite five deaths; NPR reported three.
- Rescue totals: Numbers range from “more than 90” to 91 people and 45 pets, with CBS estimating 70 rescues.
- River crest measurements: Reports list 24.9 ft (Anderson), 24.6 ft (Noblesville) and “just shy of 25 ft,” showing slight gauge variations.
These discrepancies reflect the evolving nature of disaster assessment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods,” — Jacob Spence
- “The water is still rising, so heed the warnings,” — Todd Wilson
- “I will do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods as we respond to this historic severe weather,” — Gov. Mike Braun
- “We have now exceeded the record floods that happened back in 1913,” — Mayor Dan Ridenour
- “We will do everything we can short of putting others at risk until the river goes down several more feet,” — Sheriff Tony Skinner
What’s Next
The NWS has issued flash-flood watches through Sunday and warned additional rain could exacerbate saturated soils. Forecast models suggest 1–2 in of rain for central Indiana, with isolated totals up to 8 in possible through Saturday. Governor Braun’s request for a FEMA presidential emergency declaration is expected to unlock further federal assistance for infrastructure repairs and long-term recovery.
