Hamilton County braces for potential record flooding

Residents urged to store potable water & prepare for additional evacuations

Hamilton County emergency officials are warning residents to prepare for potentially record-setting flooding along the White River as additional rainfall moves through Central Indiana.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, the White River is currently at 22.85 feet and is expected to crest near 24 feet around 8 p.m. Friday. Hamilton County has not experienced flooding of this magnitude since 1913, and current projections could surpass that historic record.

Several neighborhoods have already been evacuated, and additional evacuations may be necessary over the next 24 hours. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare now and be ready to leave quickly if directed by emergency personnel.

As a precaution, Hamilton County Emergency Operations is also encouraging residents to store potable water. If floodwaters continue to rise, existing clean water systems could potentially be compromised. Residents can prepare by filling clean pots, jugs, and other food-safe containers with tap water, filling a clean bathtub with water, and keeping bottled water on hand.

“This is a precaution, but it’s an important one,” said Chad Knecht, Executive Director of Hamilton County Emergency Operations. “This recommendation is being made in the event conditions worsen over the next 24 hours. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

Meanwhile, county employees and volunteers have been working around the clock to fill sandbags at the Hamilton County Highway Department. Residents can pick up free sandbags at the Household Hazardous Waste facility at 1717 Pleasant St., Noblesville, on a first-come, first-served basis.

More than 60 roads are currently closed across Hamilton County due to flooding, and that number could continue to grow as water levels rise and additional rain moves into the area. Residents should continue to avoid flooded areas and never drive around barricades or through flooded roadways.

For the latest flooding-related road closures, go to tinyurl.com/HamCoFlood.