By Trevor Lindqvist
State Correspondent, WE NEWS
Heavy, persistent storms that began earlier this week have driven several Indiana rivers to dangerous levels, forcing a statewide emergency response and leaving communities from Anderson to Indianapolis facing flood threats.
Record crest in Anderson, widespread high readings
The White River in Anderson reached a record high of 24.75 feet in the early hours of Aug. 14, surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet, according to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other gauges across the state also reported substantially elevated readings as of late morning Aug. 14.
| River / Location | Reported level (feet) |
|---|---|
| White River — Anderson | 23.84 (11:30 a.m.) — record 24.75 early Aug. 14 |
| White River — Indianapolis | 12.54 |
| White River — Muncie | 11.56 |
| White River — Noblesville | 20.85 |
| Fall Creek — Millersville | 12.58 |
| Fall Creek — Fortville | 9.71 |
| Wabash River — Terre Haute | 14.35 |
| Wabash River — Wabash | 10.05 |
| Tippecanoe River — State Highway 18 Bridge | 8.59 |
| Tippecanoe River — below Oakdale Dam | 13.24 |
| Big Blue River — Carthage | 9.89 |
State response and local impacts
On Aug. 13, Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency, a move that mobilized the Indiana National Guard and state agencies to assist with flooding, storm damage and power outages. The declaration allows state resources to be redirected to support local responders and affected residents.
Officials across several counties have reported road closures, power interruptions and localized evacuations as water encroaches on homes and infrastructure. In some communities, river levels are several times higher than they were just days earlier; the White River in Anderson was roughly six times its Aug. 10 depth before the recent storms intensified runoff and swelling.
Where the danger is greatest
Rising waters have been most acute along the White River corridor, which passes through multiple population centers. Fall Creek tributaries and portions of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers also showed elevated readings. Local officials have warned that crests can rise rapidly, particularly if additional rain falls over saturated ground.
- High-water levels have produced road closures and hazardous driving conditions;
- Flooding threatens wastewater and utility infrastructure in low-lying areas;
- Emergency responders are prioritizing rescues and critical infrastructure protection.
How residents should respond
State and local agencies are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and avoid travel when authorities advise against it. The standard safety admonition from flood professionals remains: do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Conditions can deteriorate quickly; what appears to be shallow water can hide strong currents or washed-out pavement.
Those in low-lying areas should prepare to move to higher ground and follow instructions from local emergency management and law enforcement. People with chronic medical needs, limited mobility or who require power-dependent medical equipment should inform local emergency coordinators if they anticipate needing assistance.
Outlook
River levels will depend on whether the current storm system produces additional rain. Forecasters say gauges are likely to remain elevated for days, with crests varying by watershed. State and local officials continue to monitor conditions and deploy resources where needed.
WE NEWS will update this story as officials release new river readings, evacuation orders or information about road closures and relief efforts.
