Dangerous flooding sweeps through central, eastern Indiana

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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Heavy flooding is causing dangerous conditions across multiple eastern Indiana counties Wednesday morning.

Wayne County

Wayne County has issued a Level 1 Travel Advisory from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., covering all Wayne County roads and streets in Richmond and Centerville. The advisory urges extreme caution but does not restrict travel.

Wayne County EMA Deputy Director Jon Duke says there is significant flooding in Cambridge City and Hagerstown, where water rescues are underway.

Duke notes that Cambridge City is particularly prone to flooding due to a canal running through the area. It was still raining as of 8:30 a.m. As of now, Duke does not believe there are any injuries.

If you must drive, authorities recommend:

• Reducing your speed and increasing following distance
• Allowing extra time to reach your destination
• Avoiding sudden changes in speed
• Applying brakes and the accelerator slowly and gently

For travel advisory status in other Indiana counties, visit in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.

Due to the flooding, Northeastern Wayne School will be closed Wednesday, the school said on social media.

Henry County

Henry County was under a travel warning as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, meaning residents should NOT travel and comply with all emergency measures.

According to social media reports, a section of Riley Road in New Castle has collapsed, exposing a deep well of water under the street.

“It is hard to tell the depth of water covering a roadway,” Henry County EMA said.

Dispatchers told News 8 that evacuations are in progress in the Riley Road area due to “a bridge being washed out.”

Henry County is also urging drivers to follow the National Weather Service’s “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” rule.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning from 6:50 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Other areas across Delaware and Randolph counties are also reporting flash flooding, with life-threatening conditions on roads, streams and underpasses.

Delaware County

Delaware County is also under a level 1 travel advisory due to flooding and flash flooding affecting roadways.

The county’s emergency management agency told News 8 there have not been any injuries reported as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Crews are currently surveying the area.

Fayette County

Fayette County Emergency Management Director Wade Walling reports that multiple roads are closed and that downed power lines and trees are scattered throughout the area.

Those living in vulnerable areas or right by high water are being urged to evacuate.

Walling says the situation surrounding homes without electricity is improving, but it is taking them quite some time to get out and help people.

“Travel around Fayette County if you can,” Walling warned. “Between the damage and all of the work emergency crews are doing, it’s just not best to enter the county right now.”

Travel advisories, watches, and warnings

As of 9 a.m., Eleven Indiana counties have reported travel advisories, watches, or warnings based on countywide conditions. Those counties are listed below.

• WARNING: Harrison, Henry.
• WATCH: Fayette, LaPorte.
• ADVISORY: Cass, Delaware, Lake, Pulaski, Randolph, Union, Wayne.

Many other counties are under weather alerts and other advisories. News 8 has reached out to several emergency management agencies for information.

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