Overview
- A multiday severe-storm system that began on Aug. 11 dumped as much as 11 inches of rain in parts of central Indiana and produced a damaging derecho in the north, triggering widespread flash flooding and tornado reports.
- State officials confirmed at least six storm-related deaths and the Indianapolis Fire Department reported rescuing 95 people and 45 pets while more than 350 evacuations and numerous welfare checks were carried out.
- The White River crested above 24 feet in Anderson and Noblesville, topping records set in 1913 and flooding hundreds of homes in riverfront suburbs as roads, bridges and riverfront infrastructure were washed out or left structurally threatened.
- Governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency and the president approved a federal emergency declaration to make FEMA assistance available while shelters and local resource centers opened and utility crews worked to restore service for roughly 130,000 customers still without power.
- Floodwaters have begun to recede in some places but officials warn hazards remain from weakened structures, washouts and lingering flash-flood risk, and they are conducting engineering assessments and water-safety advisories as recovery moves ahead.