Indianapolis crews rescue drivers, shelters open, volunteers assist amid flooding

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Emergency crews rescued stranded motorists and opened temporary shelters Saturday in Indianapolis as record-setting floods submerged streets and damaged infrastructure across Central Indiana.

Officials urge residents in Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood to leave their homes immediately. The White River is expected to crest before 8 p.m. Saturday in those neighborhoods. Officials are watching the 53rd Street gate in Rocky Ripple and may close it.

Circle City Broadcasting’s Angela Moryan captured photos Saturday morning of people being rescued near 78th Street and Keystone Avenue.

Persistent rain over several days has left some city streets underwater. City and Marion County emergency management teams started emergency operations to assess neighborhood damage and clear debris from blocked roads.

Travel remains hazardous across the city. A road failure closed 96th Street and Brandt Road, and officials are considering closing Westfield Boulevard.

Other flooded areas include the 56th Street bridge over the White River, East 67th Street by North College Avenue, and the entire Rocky Ripple community. Drivers should not try to drive through any flooded roads.

Additionally, many trails on the city’s north side are impassable. Residents should not walk or bike on submerged trails or greenways.

Rain was expected to continue through at least Sunday, making it difficult to predict how much more flooding will happen. The city opened distribution centers to give out food, water, and emergency supplies. Volunteers are also assisting with cleanup and support services.

Two primary shelters are available for residents:

• For residents with pets: Broad Ripple Park Family Center, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave.
• For residents without pets: American Red Cross shelter at the Washington Township Schools Adult Education facility, 8401 Westfield Blvd.

Residents who need help evacuating can text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 or call the city’s non-emergency line at 317-327-3811.

Persistent rain over several days has left many city streets underwater. City and Marion County emergency management teams started emergency operations to assess neighborhood damage and clear debris from blocked roads.

Officials warn that travel remains hazardous and tell drivers to stay off flooded roads.Flooded roads in Indianapolis include the 56th Street bridge over the White River, East 67th Street by North College Avenue, and the entire Rocky Ripple community.

The city opened distribution centers to give out food, water, and emergency supplies.

Volunteers are also assisting with cleanup and support services.

Two primary shelters are available for residents:

• For residents with pets: Broad Ripple Park Family Center, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave.
• For residents without pets: American Red Cross shelter at the Washington Township Schools Adult Education facility, 8401 Westfield Blvd.

Residents who need help evacuating can text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 or call the city’s non-emergency line at 317-327-3811.

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