Central Indiana Floods 2026: Live Updates on Evacuations, Road Closures & Rising Damage Costs

Historic flooding swamps Central Indiana: key facts, impacts and what comes next Record-shattering rainfall that began early last week has pushed creeks and rivers well beyond their banks across Central Indiana, forcing evacuations, shutting down dozens of roads and prompting every level of government to issue disaster declarations. Below is the latest on the unfolding crisis. 1. Scope of the disaster • At least five flood-related deaths have been confirmed statewide as of Saturday morning, according to state officials quoted by CNN. • The National Weather Service reports 7–12 inches of rain fell on parts of Madison, Hamilton, Delaware and Marion counties in just 72 hours. Muncie alone picked up nearly eight inches. • White River crested at 24.75 ft in Anderson—topping the 1913 record of 23.6 ft—while gauges in Noblesville surged past 21 ft, levels categorized as a 100-year flood event. 2. Emergency declarations and evacuations • Gov. Mike Braun has requested a federal emergency declaration; the Indiana National Guard is assisting with water rescues and power restoration. • Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local disaster emergency Friday evening, enabling curfews and travel bans as needed. • Mandatory or voluntary evacuations remain in effect for Anderson, Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple and riverfront sections of Hamilton County. Residents can text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for updates; shelters are open at Washington Township Adult Center and multiple Red Cross sites. 3. Hard-hit communities • Noblesville: Mayor Chris Jensen called the inundation “absolutely historic” as more than 30 roads closed and the Farmers Market was canceled. • Anderson: Entire neighborhoods up to seven blocks from the White River are under water; record crests triggered mandatory evacuations and Salvation Army shelters are operating at capacity. • Hamilton County: Commissioners declared a countywide state of emergency; U.S. 31, SR 37 and SR 19 remain blocked by high water. 4. Why the rain will not quit Meteorologists blame a stalled frontal boundary anchored over the Midwest, funneling moisture-laden Gulf air into Indiana day after day. The Weather Channel places the region under a Moderate Risk for additional flash flooding through Sunday. Climate scientists note that warmer air holds more water vapor, increasing the odds of extreme rain events in the Ohio Valley. 5. Forecast and what to watch • Another 1–2 inches of rain could fall tonight into Monday, with the heaviest bands targeting counties already saturated. • Even if rain tapers, major rivers will stay above flood stage into mid-week; secondary crests are possible if downstream ice-jam-like debris blocks flow. • Officials urge residents to avoid all flooded roadways, beware of scammers posing as FEMA agents, and brace for prolonged power outages where substations remain submerged. 6. Staying safe and getting help • Never drive through water covering a road—just 12 inches can sweep away most cars. • Report downed lines or stranded neighbors by dialing 911. • For sandbags, visit Hamilton County Fairgrounds; for donations, drop supplies at Hamilton Heights High School. • Check real-time road conditions at 511in.org and river gauges at weather.gov/ind. Bottom line Central Indiana is experiencing its most significant flooding in over a century. With more rain looming and rivers still climbing, heed evacuation orders, monitor official alerts and prepare for a lengthy recovery once the waters finally recede.