An Indiana county declared a state of emergency on Friday as relentless overnight rainfall pushed river levels higher and shut down more than 30 roadways across the county.
The action came after additional storms dumped up to three more inches of rain on communities north of Hamilton County overnight, sending a fresh surge of water downstream and compounding already swollen rivers, county officials said. The White River was projected to hit roughly 19 feet Friday morning before cresting near 20 feet around 2 a.m. Saturday, though officials warned that number could climb further if forecasted rain falls.
Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger said the emergency declaration allows local government to move faster in directing resources to hard-hit areas. "Declaring a State of Emergency gives us the ability to respond quickly, coordinate resources, and get help where it's needed most," Dillinger said in a statement. "Our priority right now is keeping people safe and supporting the communities being hit hardest," he added.
Atlanta, Arcadia, Jackson Township, and White River Township are seeing the most severe impacts, with local emergency resources stretched thin. The Jackson Township Fire Department's own station has flooded, and a wastewater substation along State Road 19 in Atlanta has gone down. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has carried out multiple water rescues.
The county's travel guidance has been elevated from a Travel Advisory to a Travel Watch, meaning residents should limit trips to essential travel only, such as commuting to work or responding to emergencies.
Major closures include State Road 37, State Road 19 between Logan Street and Field Drive in Noblesville, and U.S. 31 near Tipton.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post listed additional shutdowns, including SR 37 between Strawtown Avenue and SR 213, SR 19 between Logan Street and Field Drive, and northbound U.S. 31 at 296th Street, warning that rising water levels made further closures likely.
Ryan Tennessen, deputy director of Hamilton County Emergency Management, urged residents in flood-prone areas to act before water reaches their homes. "Please stay away from areas of high water and never drive around barricades or through a closed or flooded roadway," Tennessen said. "More rain is coming, and conditions can change quickly. We need people in areas prone to flooding to be prepared to leave and not wait until the water is at their door," he said.
The Jackson Township Fire Department reported in its own social media post that Engine 355 had been deployed for much of the storm across multiple call types. That department also renewed a flash flood warning in effect until 12:30 p.m. Friday, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through standing or moving water. Six inches of moving water can sweep an adult off their feet, the department said.