Indianapolis White River Flooding Emergency: What You Need to Know (August 2026)

IMPORTANT SAFETY ALERT
Major flooding is happening RIGHT NOW along the White River in Indianapolis, Carmel, and surrounding neighborhoods.
If you live in Rocky Ripple, Ravenswood, or parts of Broad Ripple: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY.
Do not wait. Do not try to drive through floodwater. Your life matters more than your stuff.

Timeline of Events

Friday Night (August 14) – "Get Out Now"

• 9:10 PM – City officials strongly urge evacuations for:
  • Rocky Ripple (entire town)
  • Ravenswood (west of Crittenden Avenue)
  • Parts of Broad Ripple (area bounded by North College Ave, East 67th St, Westfield Blvd, and White River)
• 9:30 PM deadline – Flood gates begin closing. Once closed, NO ONE can enter or leave – not even fire trucks or ambulances.
• 10:20 PM – Rocky Ripple Town Council President Randy Sanders warns: "This could be our worst flood since 1913. The levee might go under by 1 foot. There are weak spots. If we lose any part, we lose most of the town."
• 315 homes, 700+ people at risk in Rocky Ripple alone.
• Volunteers filled 1,000 sandbags (3 tons) but were told sandbags won’t hold this water.

Saturday Morning (August 15) – Flood Gates Close, Water Rises

• 8:45 AM – Flood gates CLOSED in Broad Ripple at:
  • Edgewood Apartments
  • Indy Arts Center (East 67th Street)
  • 53rd Street gate (Rocky Ripple) – being monitored, may close soon
• Roads CLOSED due to flooding/failure:
  • 96th Street
  • Brandt Road
  • 52nd Street gate (Rocky Ripple access)
  • Westfield Boulevard (flooding, may close)
  • Many more roads flooded – do not drive through water
• 10:12 AM – National Weather Service issues FLASH FLOOD WARNING for entire Indy metro area until 3:15 PM

Saturday Midday (12:45 PM) – Evacuations Continue, Water Cresting Soon

• White River expected to CREST (reach highest point) between 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM TODAY
• Carmel evacuations – Boats rescuing people near 122nd & River Road
• Indianapolis – One man hospitalized after trying to evacuate 78th Street area on his own; neighbors couldn’t reach him in time
• Monon Trail bridge (Cornell & 64th St) – River water touching bottom of bridge
• Rocky Ripple – 53rd Street floodgate still open BUT "if closure required, vehicles – including emergency vehicles – will NOT be able to access area"

Where to Go If You Need Shelter

GET TEXT UPDATES: Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for real-time alerts from the city.

What "Crest," "Levee," and "Floodgate" Mean (ELI5)

What YOU Should Do RIGHT NOW (Numbered Steps)

If you’re in an evacuation zone:

1. Leave immediately – Don’t wait for a knock on the door.
2. Grab only essentials: Meds, IDs, phone/charger, pets, important papers.
3. Go to a shelter (see table above) or higher ground with family/friends.
4. Do NOT drive through floodwater – 6 inches knocks you down, 2 feet floats your car.
5. Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for updates.

If you’re NOT in an evacuation zone:

1. Stay off roads – Flooded streets, closed gates, emergency vehicles need clear paths.
2. Don’t go "watch the river" – It’s dangerous and blocks first responders.
3. Check on neighbors – Especially elderly or disabled folks nearby.
4. Monitor updates via text alert or local news.

Road Closures & Hazards (As of Saturday 12:45 PM)

KNOWN CLOSED:

• 96th Street
• Brandt Road (road failed – washed out)
• 52nd Street gate (Rocky Ripple entry)
• Flood gate area: North College Ave → East 67th St → Westfield Blvd → White River

LIKELY TO CLOSE / FLOODED:

• Westfield Boulevard
• 53rd Street (Rocky Ripple – if floodgate closes, you’re trapped)
• Many side streets – DPW doesn’t have a complete list

GOLDEN RULE: "Turn Around, Don’t Drown."
If you see water on the road – STOP. TURN AROUND.
You cannot tell how deep it is or if the road is even still there.

Voices from the Ground

"This looks like the Mississippi River right now. This is the most insane flood I’ve ever seen."
— Mason Hurless, longtime Monon Trail runner

"We’ve got three stories, so tonight we’re going to sleep on the third floor."
— Doug Overbay, resident north of the river without floodgate protection

"There’s no sense in waiting. People need to get out now."
— Randy Sanders, Rocky Ripple Town Council President

Summary: Key Facts at a Glance

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Can the city FORCE me to leave?

No. The city cannot force evacuations. But they strongly urge you to go. Once floodgates close, you are on your own – no fire, EMS, or police can reach you. Please choose safety.

2. What if I have nowhere to go?

Go to a shelter. Two are open right now:

• Washington Township Adult Center (8401 Westfield Blvd) – Red Cross staffed
• Broad Ripple Park Family Center (1426 Broad Ripple Ave) – Takes pets

3. Is my drinking water safe?

Not mentioned in updates. After major flooding, assume tap water may be contaminated until officials say otherwise. Use bottled water or boil tap water for 1 minute.

4. When will it be safe to go home?

Not until:

• River drops well below flood stage
• Levees/floodgates inspected and declared safe
• Roads cleared and checked for washouts
• Power/gas restored safely
• Officials give the "all clear" – monitor text alerts.

5. How can I help?

• Stay out of the way – Don’t drive to "look." You block rescuers.
• Check on neighbors (by phone/text if roads bad).
• Donate to Red Cross or local orgs after the emergency if you can.
• Share official info (text alert number, shelter locations) with everyone you know in the area.

Final Word: This Is Serious

People have lived in these neighborhoods for generations. The 1937 levee has never faced water this high. The 1913 flood was the benchmark – this could beat it.

If you’re in the zone: GO. NOW.

If you’re not: STAY HOME. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283. Tell a neighbor. Save a life.

Reporting by Eric Weddle (WFYI Education Editor) and Samantha Horton (WFYI All Things Considered).
Photos: Indianapolis Department of Public Works, WFYI/Sam Horton.