Residents navigated through floodwaters in Indianapolis using kayaks on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The devastating floods have claimed at least six lives across various counties in Indiana. While some regions are beginning to recover, the threat of severe weather continues to loom over the area, with more storms predicted for Sunday.
According to a preliminary report by the National Weather Service, certain parts of the state experienced over 11 inches of rainfall in a span of three days, starting August 11. Central Indiana is bracing for late-evening thunderstorms that could exacerbate flooding in already affected areas.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett shared on social media that the city is facing its worst flooding in over 30 years. Despite the challenges, floodwaters have started to recede, and some flood gates have been reopened, as per the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. They assured that engineering teams are monitoring flood-control infrastructure, such as levees and control gates, to ensure they function correctly. Additionally, crews are working diligently to remove debris and check infrastructure as water levels fall, determining whether more gates can be safely opened.
Flooding persists along the White River in Anderson, Indiana, which reached an unprecedented height of 24.9 feet, as well as along the Wabash and East Fork White Rivers. The severe weather has left over 128,000 residents without power, as reported by the local power company, NIPSCO. Repair crews are actively working to restore services, while communities rally to support each other during this crisis.
In Rocky Ripple, a town northwest of Indianapolis, hundreds of residents gathered at a volleyball court with shovels and sandbags to bolster the town’s levee. NPR Member Station WFYI reported that Margaret Brabant, a long-time resident, coordinated the community effort while expressing gratitude for the overwhelming generosity of volunteers, many of whom traveled from outside the town.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana. This allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in the state’s recovery efforts. The National Weather Service also warned that West Virginia might experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding on Sunday.