Midwest storms bring sixth day of heavy rain, worsening floods in Indiana and Ohio
Severe storms continued across the Midwest for a sixth day, adding rain to already flood-stricken areas of Indiana and Ohio, prompting evacuations, rescue operations and disaster declarations.
Heavy rain persisted across the Midwest on Friday, extending a six-day streak of storms that have deepened flooding in Indiana and Ohio. The additional precipitation fell on already saturated ground, raising the risk of flash flooding and prompting flood watches for millions of residents.
In Indiana, rainfall rates approached a 1-in-1,000-year event, forcing water rescues and evacuations as rivers swelled and roads became impassable. Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and activated the Indiana National Guard. Local officials in Yorktown and Anderson also declared emergencies, while fire crews used motorized boats to reach stranded residents.
"I’ve been with the department for 29 years, and I’ve never seen flooding like this," said Fire Chief Dan Burford of Muncie.
Residents described the sudden inundation. Timothy Hicks, whose family fled their Cambridge City home, said it was "a panic to get out of here" as floodwaters rushed in. Business owner Bill Smith noted that many establishments in Metamora were submerged, adding that the community would need to assess the full extent of losses once the water receded.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine warned western Ohio residents to remain vigilant for a "dangerous situation" that could develop overnight, after the week’s storms forced about 375 evacuations.
The region, still recovering from a destructive derecho earlier in the week, is expected to see another round of rain Friday, with forecasts of up to 5 inches in the hardest-hit areas and isolated totals exceeding 8 inches. Iowa and northwestern Illinois face the greatest flood risk, while a broader Level 2 risk covers Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. The threat is projected to ease on Saturday but could persist as the rain belt shifts northward.
Authorities continue to search for missing individuals, including 18-year-old Matthew Morey, whose disappearance was reported after teens jumped from a bridge into the Mississinewa River. Meanwhile, more than 300 animals are being evacuated from a flooded shelter in Anderson.