Hamilton County officials are urging residents to avoid flooded areas and limit travel as more rain threatens to worsen conditions.
The Hamilton County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency as worsening flooding closes more than 30 roads and strains public safety resources across the northern part of the county.
Major closures include State Road 37 north of State Road 32 in Noblesville and State Road 19 between Logan Street and Field Drive. U.S. 31 is also closed near Tipton.
“Declaring a State of Emergency gives us the ability to respond quickly, coordinate resources, and get help where it’s needed most,” Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger said. “Our priority right now is keeping people safe and supporting the communities being hit hardest.”
Officials said flooding is creating significant challenges in Atlanta, Arcadia, Jackson Township and White River Township. The Jackson Township Fire Department has flooded, and a wastewater substation along State Road 19 in Atlanta is out of service.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has responded to multiple water rescues. Residents are being asked to follow instructions from law enforcement officers and public safety personnel throughout the emergency.
Hamilton County has also upgraded its travel status to a Travel Watch, meaning conditions threaten public safety. Only essential travel, such as traveling to and from work or during an emergency, is recommended.
“Please stay away from areas of high water and never drive around barricades or through a closed or flooded roadway,” Hamilton County Emergency Management Deputy Director Ryan Tennessen said. “More rain is coming, and conditions can change quickly. We need people in areas prone to flooding to be prepared to leave and not wait until the water is at their door.”
Communities north of Hamilton County received as much as 3 additional inches of rain overnight, sending more water downstream into already elevated rivers.
The White River is expected to reach approximately 18.8 feet Friday morning and crest near 20 feet around 2 a.m. Saturday. Emergency officials cautioned that the river could rise even higher if additional rain falls.
The Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center remains activated and will provide updates as conditions change.
Residents can find the latest flooding-related closures on the county’s active road closures page.