Flood warnings continue; Many roads remain closed

Much of our area remains under flood warnings this morning as major flooding continues along East Fork White River and moderate flooding on other rivers and streams.

East Fork White River appears to have crested this morning and is heading back down to the lower moderate flood level.

In Columbus, East Fork White River is at 16.8 feet this morning, down from a crest of just over 17 feet yesterday afternoon. That was more than a foot and a half below the record flood level of 2008. The river should drop back to moderate flooding in Columbus by this afternoon.

At Seymour, the river is at 19 and a half feet this morning, that is still about six inches above the major flood stage. The river crested at 19.78 feet, about a foot and a quarter below the record flood level of 21 feet set in the 2008 flood. The river at Seymour is not expected to drop back to moderate flooding until Tuesday morning.

Other rivers remain in moderate flooding, including Flatrock River at Columbus, Driftwood River and Sugar Creek at Edinburgh.

Haw Creek and Clifty Creek have both returned to normal levels.

Major roads and streets remain closed while the water remains high and until crews can clean up debris left behind. In Bartholomew County, State Road 46/Jonathan Moore Pike from Lindsey Street downtown to Goeller Boulevard on the west side is expected to remain closed until tonight, including the ramps at Interstate 65. Also expected to remain closed are State Road 11 from Jonathan Moore Pike to Walesboro and Southern Crossing.

Many other secondary roads and streets also remain closed. Officials warn that you should not drive around barricades or road closing signs. Their message is to turn around and don’t drown.