Historic Flooding Hits Central Indiana as White River Reaches Record Levels
INDIANAPOLIS — Central Indiana is grappling with historic flooding after days of heavy rain pushed the White River to levels not seen in more than a century, forcing mass evacuations, dozens of water rescues, and a statewide emergency response.
As of Saturday, August 15, 2026, the White River had already set new records upstream. In Noblesville, the river crested at approximately 24.6 feet early Saturday, while gauges in Anderson recorded 24.93 feet — both surpassing marks set during the catastrophic Great Flood of 1913. Downstream in the Indianapolis area, the river approached major flood stage and was forecast to crest near 21.1 feet in the Nora vicinity, the second-highest level on record behind the 22.4-foot mark from 1913.
At least five people have died across Indiana in connection with the storms and flooding this week. Emergency crews in Indianapolis alone rescued about 95 residents and 45 pets in more than 50 water rescues by late Saturday afternoon. Neighborhoods hardest hit include Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple, and Ravenswood, where more than 400 people were evacuated. In Carmel, at least 40 residents, including some from an assisted living facility, were also moved to safety.
Hamilton County remained under a state of emergency, with more than 60 roads closed. Floodgates were shut in parts of Indianapolis, and officials warned of additional flooding risks in several south-side and riverside neighborhoods as the crest moved downstream. The National Weather Service reported that some areas of central and eastern Indiana received more than 11 inches of rain over a short period earlier in the week, with additional showers continuing to complicate recovery.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has requested a federal disaster declaration. He said he spoke with President Trump about the request, and officials indicated federal aid is expected to be approved. Local shelters have opened for displaced residents, including facilities in Washington Township and Broad Ripple that can accommodate people with pets.
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid floodwaters and closed roads. Flooding impacts along the White River and its tributaries are expected to persist into early next week in some downstream locations as the high water slowly works its way south.
The event ranks among the most significant river floods in modern Indiana history and has strained emergency services across multiple counties.