Fishers roads and parks close as record flooding hits Hamilton County

Flooding closed three Fishers roads and several city parks as record-breaking water levels on the White River disrupted travel and canceled events across Hamilton County.

In a joint update issued at 7:35 p.m. Friday, Fishers public safety officials reported closures on Florida Road between Geist Ridge Drive and Bowline Road, Trails End Drive and Wahpihani Drive. Officials said 113th Street had reopened between Atlantic Road and Southeastern Parkway.

The multiuse trail along Florida Road south of the Fall Creek bridge was also closed earlier. No reopening announcement for the trail had been posted as of early Saturday.

Fishers Parks closed Fishers White River Park, Fishers AgriPark, Geist Waterfront Park, Cumberland Park and Hamilton Proper Park on Friday. Friday night’s Park After Dark event at Geist Waterfront Park was canceled. The department had not announced whether those parks would reopen Saturday.

At Mud Creek in Fishers, the National Weather Service recorded a level of 7.42 feet at 5:45 a.m. Saturday. Minor flood stage is 7 feet. At 7.5 feet, water begins affecting Cumberland Park’s road and parking area.

Despite the flooding, the Fishers Farmers Market remained listed for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. No cancellation had been posted by Fishers Parks as of approximately 7:15 a.m. Visitors should check for a last-minute update before leaving.

Conditions were substantially worse in Noblesville, where the White River reached a record 24.45 feet at 5:45 a.m. Saturday. That was 0.65 feet above the previous record of 23.80 feet set in March 1913 and more than two feet above the 22-foot threshold for major flooding.

The latest federal forecast called for the river to reach approximately 24.60 feet. Residents can follow the National Weather Service gauge for updated observations.

Floodwater covered portions of downtown Noblesville, State Road 19 and nearby businesses. Voluntary evacuations began Friday in the Riverwood area north of the city. Noblesville Police urged residents to remain home unless travel was necessary after officers encountered motorists attempting to enter flooded areas.

Saturday’s Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market and the Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press concert at Federal Hill Commons were canceled.

Hamilton County’s flood-road log contained dozens of closures throughout Noblesville, Carmel, Strawtown, Cicero, Arcadia and Atlanta. Major affected routes included sections of State Roads 13, 19, 37 and 213, along with River Road, Allisonville Road, 116th Street, 122nd Street and numerous roads between 206th and 296th streets.

Some roads, including 113th Street in Fishers, had reopened. Motorists should consult the county’s live closure list and map immediately before traveling because conditions are changing.

Hamilton County Parks also closed Geist Park, Potter’s Bridge Park and its canoe launch, several other canoe access points, portions of Cool Creek Park and parking areas at Strawtown Koteewi Park. White River Campground will remain closed through Monday, with officials planning to reassess conditions Tuesday.

Fishers public safety officials said Hamilton County remained under a Flood Warning through 2 p.m. Sunday. A separate National Weather Service warning was in effect Saturday morning.

Officials cautioned residents never to drive, walk or bicycle through floodwater or around barricades. Water depth can be difficult to judge, and flooded pavement may be damaged or missing.