Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Record Rains Flood the Area, Some Schools Close, & Evacuations May be Necessary

Flooding will top the list of our main weather concerns today as relentless rain overnight has deluged much of our northern viewing area. Latest rainfall amounts as of 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Monon 5.25"
Remington 5.10"
Kentland 4.10"
Royal Center 4"
Monticello 3.50"
Rennselaer 3.20"
Logansport 2.0"

There are several flooded roads to our north. Make sure not to cross roadways covered by water and heed all road closing signs. Most people are killed by flash flooding in their cars trying to cross washed out roads. Remember to turn around, don't drown. This afternoon the main frontal system causing all of this rain will move through the area. Since we have had so much rain overnight and this morning our chances of widespread severe weather have decreased with the bullseye for severe weather. The highest risk areas are now from Indianapolis to southeastern Indiana.

Today's Main Weather Threats:

1) Flooding Rain

2) Isolated Wind Gusts Near 60 mph

3) Nickel-Sized Hail

We will still have to be on guard here at home this afternoon for a possible damaging wind gust and large hail. Things should settle down by late day as the cold front passes through the area. We will have a very small chance of tornadoes here at home but this may not be the case closer to Indianapolis so make sure to stay posted on severe weather throughout the day before traveling.

Here is the latest flood statement from the National Weather Service office in North Webster.

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FLOOD SITUATION ON TIPPECANOE RIVER

100-year flooding is expected in the area of Norway and Oakdale Dam on the Tippecanoe River in north central Indiana. At 7 AM EST, record flows were being reported at Norway and Oakdale Dam. Oakdale flow was at 23,564 cubic feet per second (cfs), and Norway flow was at 22,883 cfs. At these flows, the dams are nearing capacity, and major flooding is occurring, regardless of the condition of the dams.

Flow at the dams will continue to rise through the day, and peak flows are expected around sunset this evening.

At this time (7:30 AM EST), dam failure is NOT expected. HOWEVER, it is important for residents to monitor the latest conditions as this extremely dangerous flood situation develops.


Right now evacuations are not necessary but residents need to monitor the latest just in case. If the dam does fail today which is possible...FLOOD CRESTS OF 20 TO 25 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TAILWATER FLOW DOWNSTREAM OF NORWAY DAM. COMMUNITIES THAT WOULD NEED TO BE EVACUATED INCLUDE NORWAY... MOTICELLO... EAST MONTICELLO... UPPER SUNSET PARK...GINGRICH ADDITION... RICHY PARK... SANDY BEACH... HORSE SHOE BEND... TIPPECANOE ESTATES... TECUMSEH BEND AND UNICORPORATED AREAS OF CARROLL ... WHITE... AND TIPPECANOE COUNTIES.

PEOPLE BELOW THE DAM SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION BY MONITORING LOCAL RADIO OR TELEVISION AND FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY REQUIRED EVACUATION AS OUTLINED BY LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I-65 is flooded and traffic is backed up between exit 215 and exit205 on the southbound lane

Anonymous said...

Mr. Mike,
I want to thank you for caring about the people you bring the weather to. Your blog is like a conversation with a friend, and when people are hurting as they are along the river now that is a blessing. If you know what we can do for our neighbors please pass that along.

Your Friend,

Lori Fortwendel