Severe storms that tore across parts of the Midwest this week left behind a trail of destructive flooding, downed trees, power outages and other damage, with central Indiana continuing to face some of the worst flooding as rivers remained dangerously high.
The storms turned deadly in Indiana, unleashing torrential rainfall that inundated communities, damaged homes and businesses, flooded roads and prompted emergency warnings across the region. The flooding comes amid a broader stretch of extreme weather across the United States, with dangerous heat fueling wildfire concerns in the West while repeated rounds of thunderstorms soaked parts of the Midwest and East.
At least three people died in the powerful storms Tuesday, including a 4-year-old boy who was killed when a tree toppled onto his home in Indiana. In Gary, a 58-year-old woman was struck and killed by roofing material from a nearby store, while another woman died in northwest Indiana after a house explosion during the storms.
Attention has now shifted to the White River, as rising water continued moving through Indianapolis on Saturday. The river was expected to crest Saturday evening, prompting evacuations, emergency declarations and road closures in neighborhoods along its banks.
Officials said high water could linger for days even after the river crests, with additional rainfall expected to slow the area’s recovery.
White River nears its crest
The National Weather Service forecast the White River near Broad Ripple to crest around 8 p.m. Saturday at about 20.5 feet, though forecasters said the final level could be slightly higher if rain continues.
In Noblesville, the White River crested at a record 24.6 feet early Saturday before beginning a slow decline, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration river gauge data. The previous record of 23.8 feet was set in 1913.
Evacuations and emergency response
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local disaster emergency Thursday night, and city officials recommended that some residents near the White River evacuate.
In Rocky Ripple, officials urged residents to leave before floodgates closed and 53rd Street, the community’s last road out, was shut down. Overnight, Indianapolis Department of Public Works crews closed floodgates in Broad Ripple and Rocky Ripple.
Hamilton County remained under a state of emergency after flooding damaged roads, prompted water rescues and forced multiple road closures. County officials also maintained a Travel Watch, urging residents to limit travel to essential trips because of hazardous conditions.
Flash flooding still possible
Forecasters said another round of showers and thunderstorms could bring 1 to 2 additional inches of rain to parts of central Indiana. While the added rainfall is not expected to significantly raise the White River’s projected crest, forecasters said the current flooding is being driven by heavy rainfall that fell upstream earlier this week.
With the ground already saturated, the National Weather Service warned that flash flooding remains possible, particularly near small creeks and streams, as well as on rural roads and low-lying intersections. Officials urged residents to monitor weather alerts, limit travel and follow evacuation guidance in affected communities.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT.