Severe thunderstorms and historic flooding across Indiana have left at least seven people dead, triggered widespread water rescues and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, state and local officials said Monday.
Scope of the damage
Heavy rain that began earlier this week produced flash flooding across large swaths of the state. Officials reported water rescues and stranded vehicles in Morgan and Johnson counties, both south of Indianapolis, as rivers and creeks swelled. The White River was expected to crest in Morgan County, prompting evacuations in low-lying areas.
Gov. Mike Braun characterized the flooding as the most severe in many areas in a century, and authorities on Aug. 15 requested federal assistance. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide resources to the state.
"Flooding reached levels not seen in over 100 years in some parts of the state," Gov. Mike Braun said.
Power outages and ongoing restoration
Utilities reported widespread outages. At the peak, officials said some 300,000 homes and businesses lost power. As of Monday, Aug. 17, more than 106,000 customers remained without electricity, with the most significant concentrations in Lake County in northeast Indiana, according to a USA TODAY power-tracker cited by state officials.
Crews were continuing restoration work, but officials cautioned that repairs could take days in places where roads remain flooded or debris blocks access.
Confirmed fatalities and circumstances
Authorities reported at least seven storm-related deaths across the state since the heavy weather began Aug. 11. Public accounts released so far identify several victims and circumstances:
- Delaware County: 19-year-old Matthew Morey was found dead after authorities say he and three friends entered the Mississinewa River.
- Unnamed location: 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee died after her car was swept away by moving floodwater.
- Jennings County: A 4-year-old child died after a tree fell through a home during the storm.
- Henry County (New Castle): Investigators say 31-year-old bicyclist James Briar died after riding around traffic barricades and falling into a sinkhole that opened in a roadway.
| County/Area | Victim (if named) | Reported circumstance |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Matthew Morey, 19 | Entered Mississinewa River; found dead |
| Unknown | Stephanie Sallee, 58 | Car swept away by moving water |
| Jennings | 4-year-old (unnamed) | Tree fell through home |
| Henry (New Castle) | James Briar, 31 | Bicyclist crashed into sinkhole after bypassing barricades |
State and local medical examiners and law enforcement agencies are still investigating other storm-related deaths and injuries. A Delaware County official, Liz Woods, told local media that additional victims were being reviewed as the recovery teams gained access to impacted neighborhoods.
Local emergency actions and public safety guidance
Multiple local and statewide emergency declarations have been issued to coordinate rescue operations and recovery. The governor activated resources to support evacuations, debris removal and utility restoration. FEMA assistance is now available in affected areas following the presidential emergency declaration.
Authorities urged residents to heed these safety steps:
- Avoid driving through flooded roads; turn around, don't drown.
- Follow evacuation orders and move to higher ground if advised.
- Stay clear of downed power lines and report outages to your utility provider.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Where recovery goes from here
With many communities still underwater or cut off by flood-damaged roads, search-and-rescue teams are prioritizing immediate life-safety operations. Damage assessments will follow as waters recede, and officials expect lengthy cleanup and rebuilding in the hardest-hit areas.
State leaders said they will continue coordinating with federal agencies to accelerate relief and help affected residents access assistance programs. For now, emergency officials asked Hoosiers to stay informed through county emergency management offices and the National Weather Service for river-crest forecasts and safety updates.
WE NEWS will continue to follow official briefings and provide updates on power restoration, shelter availability and local resources for residents displaced by the flooding.
