Full Breakdown
Indiana Floods and Power-Restoration Disruption in Gary
8/16/2026, 11:28:02 AM
Core Event: Historic Flooding and a Violent Interruption to Power Restoration
Severe storms that began on August 11, 2026 produced historic flooding across Indiana and northwest Indiana. Rivers in Anderson, Noblesville, and the Indianapolis suburbs crested above 24 feet, surpassing a 1913 record, while more than 11 inches of rain fell in some locations over two days. The deluge caused at least five confirmed deaths, left over 150,000 customers without electricity, and forced emergency crews to pause storm-restoration work in Gary after a NIPSCO utility vehicle was struck by gunfire early Saturday.
Background & Context
Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and said a conversation with President Donald Trump led to a pending FEMA emergency declaration. Local officials described the flooding as the worst in roughly three decades, with water levels continuing to rise throughout the weekend.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: Five deaths confirmed by state officials; a sixth later added by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
- Rainfall: More than 11 inches in some areas over two days (National Weather Service).
- River crests: White River exceeded 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, breaking a 113-year record.
- Power outages: Over 150,000 customers without electricity (Northern Indiana public-service company).
- Rescues: 91 people and 45 pets rescued in Indianapolis (Indianapolis Fire Department).
Official Statements & Responses
- Governor Mike Braun said an expedited FEMA disaster declaration was in process and urged residents to avoid floodwaters.
- President Donald Trump approved the governor’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration, making federal disaster assistance available.
- NIPSCO confirmed awareness of the “serious incident,” cooperation with law-enforcement, and that crew safety remains its highest priority.
- Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon noted the vehicle was hit twice and investigators are determining whether the shooting was targeted.
Criticism & Opposition
Residents expressed frustration with the pace of power restoration. Kenneth Lewis called the shooting “utterly disgusting” and argued that restoring electricity should have been a higher priority.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Death toll: The Guardian reported at least five fatalities, while ABC News and NBC News cited a sixth death confirmed by the state Department of Homeland Security.
- Rescue counts: Indianapolis Fire Department figures list 91 people rescued, whereas ABC News mentioned a total of 50 water rescues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let me be clear: this type of violence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Gary," said Melton.” — Eddie Melton, Gary mayor
- “Six inches of water can stall out any vehicle. Eight inches of water can move a vehicle off a road. And then three inches of water can actually take somebody off their feet too. Flooded water is very, very dangerous,” — Jerry Martin, deputy chief of the Indianapolis fire department
- “My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these storms,” — Mike Braun, Indiana governor
What’s Next
Federal disaster assistance is now available to supplement state and local response efforts. Additional Indiana State Police troopers have been deployed to Gary to protect restoration crews. Forecasts call for continued humidity and the possibility of further storms through Sunday, keeping flood-related risks elevated while recovery operations proceed.
