Turn around, don’t drown

County Commissioners declare State of Emergency

Editor’s note: The information contained in this story is accurate as of Friday evening, Aug. 14, at press time. Be sure to keep reading The Reporter and check Facebook.com/HamiltonCountyReporter for updated coverage.

On Friday, Aug. 14, the Hamilton County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency as flooding worsened following additional rainfall Thursday night.

As of Friday evening, more than 60 road closures were in place due to flooding, including major routes. State Road 37 was closed north of State Road 32 in Noblesville, and State Road 19 was closed between Logan Street and Field Drive in Noblesville.

Dillinger

“Declaring a State of Emergency gives us the ability to respond quickly, coordinate resources, and get help where it’s needed most,” County Commissioner Steve Dillinger said. “Our priority right now is keeping people safe and supporting the communities being hit hardest.”

In addition to rapidly rising waters in areas along the White River in Noblesville, flash flooding has created significant challenges in Atlanta, Arcadia, Jackson Township, and White River Township, where local resources are strained. The Jackson Township Fire Department flooded, and a wastewater substation along State Road 19 in Atlanta went down. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has also responded to multiple water rescues. A large water main break occurred in Arcadia just before 4 p.m.

The public should continue to follow direction from local law enforcement and first responders during the state of emergency.

Hamilton County also upgraded its Travel Advisory to a Travel Watch, meaning conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a Travel Watch, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended.

In the words of Hoosier Weather Daddy Paul Poteet, “Turn around, don’t drown!” (Graphic provided by Hamilton County Government)

“Please stay away from areas of high water and never drive around barricades or through a closed or flooded roadway,” says Ryan Tennessen, Deputy Director of Hamilton County Emergency Management. “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.”

Communities north of Hamilton County received several inches of rain overnight Thursday, sending more water downstream and adding to already high river levels. The estimated crest of the White River was in a constant state of update Friday afternoon, but it is possible that the previous record of 23.8 feet in Noblesville would be broken over the weekend.

The Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center remains activated and will continue to provide updates as conditions change. For the latest flooding-related road closures, go to tinyurl.com/HamCoFlood.

You can also view a map of closures on the county’s GIS website at tinyurl.com/HamCoFloodMap.

Read The Reporter’s Tuesday edition for final measurements of the flooding and for coverage of Hamilton County cleaning up after the water recedes.