White River predicted to crest at 20 feet as Mayor Hogsett declares emergency

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A historic flood is forcing central Indiana residents to evacuate as the White River rises. Indianapolis is bracing for the river to crest at 20 feet by 8 a.m. Saturday following excessive rainfall.

Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas, including Broad Ripple, Ravenswood, and Rocky Ripple, to evacuate Friday afternoon.

Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local disaster emergency Friday for Indianapolis and Marion County. The declaration puts all of Marion County under a travel advisory until further notice. Officials ask residents to cooperate for their safety.

While Indianapolis expects record water levels, experts warn that even small amounts are dangerous.

“Three inches of water can sweep you off your feet in flooding areas,” Deputy Chief Jerry Martin with the Indianapolis Fire Department said. “It only takes six inches to stall out a vehicle, and about eight inches to start moving a vehicle off the streets.”

The widespread flooding is thinning emergency resources across the region. Officials emphasized the importance of advance planning.

“Whether it’s severe weather, whether it’s snow, whether it’s ice, in this case it’s a flood, that’s why we really encourage those personal family plans. Have a good emergency plan, know what you’re gonna do,” Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency director Jacob Spence said.

Follow Marion County Emergency Management on social media for updates. You can also text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for emergency alerts.

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