Surface floodwaters begin to recede; many roads closed

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has extended the areal flood warning for our area including Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Johnson and Shelby Counties.

Local law enforcement is reporting widespread flooding with numerous road closures this morning. The weather service says  2 to 4 inches of rain fell across the area Thursday. That is combining  with rain from Wednesday to cause the widespread surface flooding.

Those floodwaters are expected to recede this morning with the areal flood warning expiring at 11 a.m.

Bartholomew County Emergency Management has upgraded the county’s travel status to an Advisory Level. County officials say that even though the Advisory Level allows for traveling, you are encouraged to avoid it if at all possible. Conditions overnight and wet roadways could result in some slick spots.

Authorities are warning the public not to drive into high water over roadways. Dispatchers say that there have already been several incidents on State Road 11 south of Columbus that have led to water rescues. Those going around barriers are being ticketed.

Authorities say you do not know how deep the water is, how swift its moving, or what is below the water’s surface. And you are not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of rescuers trying to save you.

River flood warnings will continue in our area through Sunday and Monday in some locations. Minor to moderate river flooding is expected. East Fork White River at Columbus is expected to crest at a foot below the moderate flood level early Saturday morning. In Seymour, the river will crest this evening about six inches below the major flood level.

Driftwood River is expected to crest this evening at about a foot above the moderate flood stage, and Flat Rock River will have minor flooding, cresting tonight a few inches below the moderate flood level.

The Bartholomew County Emergency Management Agency says as of this morning, the following roads have dangerous high water, or are completely closed.

High Water