Flooding in Indiana: Historic Midwest Storms Cause Widespread Damage

Flooding in Indiana has killed at least seven people after days of heavy rain and severe storms. Record river levels triggered evacuations and water rescues, while officials warned that additional flooding remained possible across parts of the state. 

Historic flooding in Indiana

Key Takeaway

• At least 7 people have died as severe storms and historic flooding hit Indiana.

• The White River surpassed 1913 flood records, with water levels exceeding 24 feet in parts of central Indiana.

• More than 350 evacuations were reported, while widespread power outages and infrastructure damage disrupted communities.

• Federal disaster aid has been approved, as NWS warnings remain in place and additional flash flooding is possible.

At Least 7 Dead Due to Fatal Flooding in Indiana

At least seven people have died across Indiana after several days of severe storms and historic flooding, according to state public safety officials. 

The fatalities occurred in different parts of the state as heavy rain and rising floodwaters created dangerous conditions.

The victims ranged in age from a 4-year-old child to an 86-year-old woman. 

One child was killed after a tree fell on a home, while other deaths were linked directly to dangerous floodwaters and river conditions.

Among those who died was 19-year-old Matthew Morey, who went missing after entering the swollen Mississinewa River with friends near Muncie. 

His body was later recovered after search efforts were hampered by hazardous conditions. 

Another victim, 31-year-old cyclist, died after falling into a hole created when a road was washed out by the flooding.

The deaths highlight the dangers that accompanied the Indiana floods as fast-rising water affected roads, homes and waterways across the state. 

Officials have continued urging residents to stay away from flooded roads and moving water as some flood warnings remain in effect.

Flooding in northern Indianapolis after severe storms in Indiana

White River Crests to Shatter 1913 Historical Records

The White River rose to historic levels as heavy rain swept across central Indiana, with water levels exceeding 24 feet in both Anderson and Noblesville. 

The flooding pushed the river beyond records established during the major floods of 1913.

Todd Wilson, director of Indianapolis’ public works department, said “the water is still rising” and was expected to continue rising throughout the day. 

In Anderson, the White River reached a record crest of 24.93 feet on August 14, according to the National Weather Service. 

The level surpassed the previous historical benchmark and underscored the severity of the ongoing Indiana flooding.

The effects extended beyond the White River itself. Rising water affected rivers, creeks and tributaries across central Indiana, including areas around Indianapolis. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett described the event as the city's worst flooding in more than 30 years.

The historic water levels came after several days of widespread heavy rain and severe storms across the region. 

As rivers continued to respond to the rainfall, officials kept flood warnings in place for areas vulnerable to additional rises.

The Great Flood of 1913 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Mass Evacuations, Power Outages, and Infrastructure Damage

The Indiana floods forced widespread evacuations as rising water reached homes and communities across the state. 

More than 350 evacuations were reported, with first responders using boats to reach people stranded by floodwaters. 

Hundreds of homes near the White River and Indianapolis canals were also evacuated, while emergency shelters remained available for displaced residents.

The flooding also disrupted electricity across Indiana. 

About 130,000 utility customers remained without power Sunday, down from a peak of roughly 300,000 outages during the storms.

Flooding damaged roads and bridges in several communities, with some routes washed out or left unsafe for travel. 

Officials were assessing damaged bridges to determine whether they could be repaired or would need to be replaced.

Related

Power outage safety tips

Mass evacuation due to fatal flooding in Indiana

Source: The Indianapolis Star

Federal Aid Approved for Indiana Flood Recovery

Indiana has secured federal assistance to support communities dealing with the aftermath of the historic flooding. 

Gov. Mike Braun requested federal disaster aid as officials began assessing the damage, and President Donald Trump approved the request.

The federal support is expected to help Indiana with flood response, recovery efforts and storm-related damage. 

The assistance comes as local authorities continue evaluating the impact on homes, public infrastructure, and affected communities across the state.

Indiana begins recovery efforts after days of severe storms

Source: The Guardian

Ongoing NWS Warnings

The National Weather Service continues to caution residents about the risk of flash flooding in vulnerable areas. 

People are also urged to avoid driving or walking through fast-moving water, which can quickly become dangerous even when floodwaters appear shallow.

Check the latest weather forecast for Indiana on Weather365 to stay updated!

References

1. NBC News

2. The Guardian

3. AP News