Six dead as storms and record flooding surge through Indiana
At least six people were killed during a series of severe storms and historic flooding in Indiana, with water levels peaking in Indianapolis and emergency shelters remaining open.
Severe storms and historic flooding across Indiana have claimed at least six lives, officials said. The fatalities include a four-year-old boy, two men and three women who died after the weather system began on Aug. 11.
In Jennings County, the boy was killed when a tree fell through his bedroom during strong winds, state homeland security spokesperson Liz Woods said. > "This is obviously unexpected," Jennings County deputy chief Cody Low told a local TV station.
Other victims were a 19-year-old man whose body was recovered in Delaware County after he jumped into the Mississinewa River, and 58-year-old Stephanie Sallee, who was swept away while driving on a flooded road, according to county officials.
In Indianapolis, the White River reached a peak of more than 24 feet, the highest level since 1913, prompting the city public works department to reopen floodgates and keep emergency shelters open. First responders used boats to rescue residents stranded by rising waters.
Hamilton County board president Christine Altman said the county, north of Indianapolis, avoided fatalities but is evaluating damage to a major bridge. The National Weather Service warned that heavy rain and flash flooding could continue in central Indiana and urged residents to avoid fast-moving water.
Utility outages affected nearly 130,000 customers statewide, down from a peak of about 300,000. Governor Mike Braun reported more than 350 evacuations and numerous rescue checks, and President Donald Trump approved a request for federal disaster assistance. The flooding follows a broader pattern of severe weather that has impacted the Midwest and parts of the eastern United States.