Flash Flood Emergency Declared in East-Central Indiana

Thousands of residents in east-central Indiana were urged to seek higher ground on Wednesday due to a rare Flash Flood Emergency declared by the National Weather Service (NWS). The areas affected include Muncie and its surroundings, following severe flooding from heavy rainfall.

Emergency Measures

The warning was issued at 10:17 a.m. EDT and remains effective through 4:15 p.m. EDT for Delaware County. Between 3 to 6 inches of rain had already fallen in Muncie, with the potential for 2 more inches. The NWS described this as a “particularly dangerous situation,” emphasizing the imminent threat to life and property.

“This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Muncie. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”

Officials warned of potentially life-threatening flooding that could impact roads, underpasses, creeks, streams, and urban areas.

Areas and Institutions at Risk

The warning encompasses Muncie, Yorktown, Chesterfield, Albany, Eaton, Daleville, Gaston, Selma, Ball State University, and the Prairie Creek Reservoir. Residents were advised to avoid travel unless evacuating and were reminded of the critical safety tip: “turn around, don’t drown.”

Immediate Response Actions

Local officials reported that the flooding had already necessitated evacuations in parts of Muncie. Emergency crews were actively responding to situations involving stranded motorists and flooded homes. Some neighborhoods on the city’s south side were under evacuation orders as water levels continued to rise.

Delaware County Emergency Management advised residents to evacuate promptly if substantial flooding threatened their homes: “Don’t wait until roads become impassable. Never drive through flooded roadways.”

The NWS categorized the flood damage threat as “catastrophic.” Heavy rain is expected to persist throughout the afternoon.