Major Flooding Hits Indianapolis: What You Need to Know Right Now

The Big Picture: What’s Happening?

Imagine a bathtub filled to the very brim — that’s what the White River looks like right now. After heavy rains, the river is rising fast and threatening to spill over into neighborhoods across Indianapolis and nearby Carmel.

Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local disaster emergency on Friday, which means the city can use special resources and get help from the state to keep people safe.

IMPORTANT: This is a rapidly changing situation. If you live near the White River, stay alert and be ready to leave quickly.

Where Is the Flooding Happening?

The areas most at risk right now include:

• Rocky Ripple — A small town completely surrounded by the river
• Ravenswood — Neighborhood along the river west of Crittenden Avenue
• Parts of Broad Ripple — Especially near the Monon Trail and 67th Street
• Carmel — Near 122nd Street and River Road

Timeline: How We Got Here

Friday Night (August 14)

• 9:10 PM — City officials urge residents in Rocky Ripple, Ravenswood, and parts of Broad Ripple to evacuate before 9:30 PM
• 9:40 PM — Marion County Emergency Operations Center activates
• 10:20 PM — Rocky Ripple Town Council President Randy Sanders warns: "There’s no sense in waiting. People need to get out now."

Saturday Morning (August 15)

• 8:45 AM — City workers close floodgates in Broad Ripple (protecting Edgewood Apartments and Indy Arts Center)
• 12:45 PM — Evacuations continue in Indianapolis and Carmel; one man hospitalized after trying to evacuate on his own
• 2:00–8:00 PM — EXPECTED CREST (highest water level) for the White River

Critical Safety Information — READ THIS FIRST

DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS

• 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet
• 2 feet of water can float a car away
• Turn around, don’t drown!

IF AUTHORITIES TELL YOU TO EVACUATE — GO IMMEDIATELY

• The city cannot force you to leave, but once floodgates close, even emergency vehicles cannot reach you
• In Rocky Ripple, the 53rd Street floodgate closure would cut off all access

Where to Go If You Need Shelter

How to Stay Updated

Get Text Alerts

Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for real-time updates from the city.

Other Sources

• National Weather Service flood warnings
• Local news (WFYI, etc.)
• City social media accounts

What the Experts Are Saying

Rocky Ripple: "Worst Since 1913"

• 315 homes, 700+ residents at risk
• Town levee is only 17 feet tall — water projected at 16.5–17.5 feet
• Town Council President Randy Sanders: "If we lose any part of the levee, we’re going to lose most of the town."

Broad Ripple: Floodgates Holding (For Now)

• Gates closed at 67th Street Monon Trail bridge
• Water already touching bottom of bridge
• 53rd Street gate being closely monitored — if closed, no access in or out

Carmel: Active Water Rescues

• Boats deployed at 122nd and River Road
• Neighborhood evacuations underway

Road Closures You Should Know

This is NOT a complete list — if you see water on the road, assume it’s closed.

• 52nd Street gate to Rocky Ripple — CLOSED
• 96th Street and Brandt Road — CLOSED (road failed due to flooding)
• Westfield Boulevard — Being monitored for potential closure
• Westfield Avenue — Flooding reported

Step-by-Step: What to Do RIGHT NOW

If You’re in an Evacuation Zone:

1. Grab your go-bag (medications, important documents, phone charger, clothes for 3 days)
2. Get your pets — carriers, leashes, food, meds
3. Leave NOW — don’t wait for water to reach your door
4. Go to a shelter or stay with friends/family on higher ground
5. Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for updates

If You’re NOT in an Evacuation Zone:

1. Stay off the roads — keep them clear for evacuees and emergency crews
2. Check on neighbors — especially elderly or disabled folks
3. Monitor alerts — situation can change fast
4. Prepare your home — move valuables upstairs, clear gutters/drains

If You Encounter Flooded Roads:

1. STOP — do not enter the water
2. TURN AROUND — find another route
3. REPORT IT — call 311 or 911 if it’s an emergency

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Major flooding underway — White River cresting Saturday 2–8 PM
• Evacuations active in Rocky Ripple, Ravenswood, Broad Ripple, Carmel
• Two shelters open — one pet-friendly
• Text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 for official updates
• NEVER drive through floodwater — 6 inches knocks you down, 2 feet floats your car
• Once floodgates close, NO ONE can get in or out — not even firefighters

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the city force me to evacuate?

A: No, the city cannot legally force you to leave your home. However, once floodgates close, emergency services cannot reach you — no ambulances, no fire trucks, no rescue boats. You would be completely on your own.

Q: My street isn’t officially closed but there’s water on it. Can I drive through?

A: Absolutely not. The city doesn’t have a complete list of every flooded road. If you see water covering the pavement, turn around. It takes very little water to lose control of your vehicle.

Q: I have pets. Where can we go?

A: The Broad Ripple Park Family Center (1426 Broad Ripple Ave) welcomes families with pets. Bring carriers, leashes, food, and any medications.

Q: How high will the water get in Rocky Ripple?

A: Projections show 16.5–17.5 feet. The levee protecting the town is only 17 feet tall in some spots, with known weak points. This could be the worst flooding since 1913.

Q: When will it be safe to go home?

A: There’s no set timeline. Water must recede, roads must be inspected for damage, and utilities must be restored. Wait for official "all clear" from the city before returning.

Emergency Contacts:

• Life-threatening emergency: 911
• Non-emergency city services: 311
• Text updates: INDYFLOOD26 to 67283

Stay safe, Indianapolis. Look out for each other, and remember — stuff can be replaced, people can’t.