Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Fiercest Wind Since 2004 Rips Area

Mobile home that was destroyed in Tippecanoe County late this afternoon by high wind gusts.
Just a few quick notes...it is insanely busy here but I did not forget about you.

Flood situation:

Waters are rapidly rising near the Oakdale and Norway Dams because NIPSCO has dumped 8,000 to 9,000 cfs of water into the Tippecanoe River. A flood watch has been issued in these areas but a large-scale flood warning is not anticipated at this time. But all residents are urged to monitor the water levels closely with isolated flooding possible. Be prepared to seek higher ground. Here is the latest from Carroll County Emergency management just in at 7:30 p.m.

At current rate of increase, roads in the Oakdale area (1200 and 1225 West) will be under water by 9 pm.

Dave McDowell Carroll County Emergency Manager


Flood Safety Tips courtesy of the Indiana State Police

Don’t Drive Through Flood Waters

The threat of heavy rain makes flooding a real threat in north central Indiana. Floods occur as streams and rivers overflow their banks. This can occur from deep snow run off or during heavy rainfall. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. Flash flooding can occur after a few minutes of heavy rain fall or after hours of significant precipitation. Hoosiers who live in flood prone areas should always be conscious of the threat of flash floods when receiving significant rainfall. The Indiana State Police offers a few flood safety tips.

• Don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. If you have to travel carry a cell phone with a car charger.

• Purchase a weather scanner and heed all flood and flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

• Do not drive around barricades at water crossings.

• Be especially vigilant at night. Many drowning deaths occur at night when it is difficult to see water crossings.

• Do not cross or enter flowing water. Driving fast through high water on the road is not a solution. Faster speeds create less tire contact with the road surface and increase your chance of crashing.

• Driving through standing water may affect your brakes. Test your brakes at low speeds as soon as you exit the water.

• If you choose to abandon your vehicle, respect the force of the water flow, you may be swept off your feet. After you exit the vehicle seek higher ground.

• Be aware that road erosion may occur when there is running or standing water.

• Remember that six inches of water will reach the bottoms of most car doors.



One foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of moving water can carry

away most vehicles.

If you find yourself stranded in flood waters remain calm and call 911. If you can do so safely move to higher ground.

Wind Update: Damaging wind gusts will continue between now and 10 p.m. before the wind slowly eases up. This means wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph still cannot be ruled out until then. Even at midnight wind gusts near 40 mph will be possible. It does look like we have a long night ahead. I have advised folks to stay home if at all possible. We are being hit with what amounts to a severe thunderstorm that is taking place over a 6 to 8 hour period. Here are some preliminary wind reports around the area.

It sounds like a freight train out there but no tornadoes are expected. You see the big tree that took a tumble in West Lafayette as 60 mph winds tore through the area. This is all taking place outside of thunderstorms and is due to a tight pressure gradient caused by an unusually strong low pressure area. We have been comparing this to an inland hurricane and you can see why with hurricane force gusts reported in Stockwell and Romney. Numerous power outages have been reported around the area and transformers are blowing and they look like lightning flashes. There are tons of reports of debris on area roadways and level 3 travel advisories have been issued for Benton and Tippecanoe Counties. Here is what this means for you.

Due to high water, rising water, and soft roads,

BENTON COUNTY IS AT LEVEL 3 ADVISORY, effective Wednesday, February 11 14:00 ET until noon on Saturday, February 14. The Level 3 Advisory means that there is, or expected to be hazardous conditions in our area. All persons, businesses and organizations should make preparations to deal with the situation. Emergency Action Plans should be readied for implementation should conditions require. Travel plans should account for potential difficulties and delays.

There is high water in various locations throughout the county. As more rain comes and as the water moves, water covered roads will continue through the next few days. Motorists should avoid driving through high water. Very soft roads, especially gravel roads resuting from the recent thaw, coupled with the current rains, exist throughout the area. Some locations may become very difficult to travel.

Also a reminder, the Frost Law remains in effect on most county roads. Vehicles over 5 tons gross weight are prohibited without a special permit from the County Highway Department. This includes farm equipment and trucks.

David Pitstick
Director, Benton Emergency Management Agency

Keep up the great work bloggers. At this rate I think we should all be on Letterman soon! You all are beyond terrific! Thanks so much!! I will have updates on the Oakdale and Norway Dams by 10 p.m. and much more!!



57 comments:

Anonymous said...

The power is out all over the south side of Lafayette...

Anonymous said...

We are getting down limbs and really heavy winds here in Monon -Dustn

Anonymous said...

Powerlines down on state rd 75 in Flora

Anonymous said...

Mike, please let us know when the winds will subside.

Anonymous said...

I live on the cass and carroll line and are getting very high winds with rain here. Still have power though

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the update, we appreciate it!

Jessie said...

How high is the Tippy below Oakdale Dam supposed to get exactly....?? I

Anonymous said...

Looks like the last of the rain will be out of Tippecanoe and Jasper county in the next half hour or so!

Then all wind!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

My friends, in West Lafayette, called me to let me know that they lost their power after 7pm.

I am concerned about the Oakdale Dam - since I live on the Wabash River - and what happens up there does impact us downstream. I am also worried (obviously) about the Wabash river level - and pray that it does not go any higher than what has been the projected crest of 19.9 feet.

Jessie said...

The 19 feet applies to the Wabash, right?

Anonymous said...

Lost power for about a half hour here on the southside of Lafayette. All better now though. Winds have kind of subsided as well. Not as bad as earlier!

Anonymous said...

My friend in Fountain just now got her power back on!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

I just read a wind report of 92 mph!! That was in Pennsylvania.

Anonymous said...

68 mph wind gust in my home town of Blufield WV. These winds are all over the place. It's crazy.

Anonymous said...

Well I just went out to see how things look around my house and there is at least a 12 foot long 4inch wide tree limb down right by our car! Did not hit it though!

some of our neighbors earlier was working on a house and we also have some old siding blown all the way up to our back door. Our blue bin which was down by the sidewalk for it is trash day! well that was blown all the way to the door and bottels was everyware.

Looking like my final rainfall amounts is going to stay at 2.65" inches.....

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Oh and my friend just lost power in Fountain county again!

Winds are still bad here where I'M at!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Teri if you still have power how do thing look your way??

Justin.

Anonymous said...

tonight while i was driving home i saw blue lighting.. never seen that any clue on why the lighting would be blue???

William said...

I am watching the west window in the living room pulse in and out. Glad it is double pane. LOL

Anonymous said...

To the person who asked about blue lightning... while I can't be certain, it sure sounds like maybe an electrical transformer going out... or snapping power lines? Just a thought.

William said...

I would give a wind report but can not find my weather station or the pole it was on???? Dorothy Dorothy come back come back.....I'll get you my pretty..

Annie Hatke Schap said...

We were driving through the South side of Lafayette when the power went out. Here in Downtown Lafayette it flickered once a couple hours ago, but hasn't gone off. Lucky us!

Anonymous said...

Hey, I own a tree company if anyone needs anything looked at after all this goes away:) Hope all is well

Anonymous said...

you know i thought about the transformers.. i just hope my power stays on the rest of the night... this wind can go away now..

William said...

MA,

is your WX stn still ok? Mine is gone. So is the windmill ..

Anonymous said...

all wind here have not ventured out ill just wait till daylight unless a big boom gets my curiosity to high. all stay safe think im going to try and get to sleep while i still have power and a fan! stay safe ans be safe on the way to work in am guys and gals


scott in monti

Anonymous said...

william I don't think we are in Kansas anymore! :-)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

just had a heck of a gust ok fine ill venture to the sliding door and turn light on lol

scott

Anonymous said...

Hey all power is on for now...Still very strong winds in Laf. I went out to check the house for damage..to windy, need safty glasses out there, I was hit in the eye by a rain drop that must have been blowing 65 mph..ouch, a rain drop?? No kidding,

Teri

Anonymous said...

Sorry to laugh Teri but that is kinda funny! ;)

Ok Teri it is just as windy here where I'M at! One of us needs to get a wind sensor soon lol.....

Justin.

William said...

Teri,

Dude now you know what it is like on a bike at that speed when a bee hits you in the foehead...Bout knocks you off the bike...Glad you are ok tho.

William said...

I'd say the wind is 3". another 3" and my trees will be on the ground as well.

Anonymous said...

My friend Just got power AGAIN they keep going off and on In fuontain county.

I keep looking out the window and the power lines are blowing like crazy! I still can't believe we still have power! I hope I did not speak to soon! :-}

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Its almost eerie to hear the wind cutting through the bar tree limbs and random trash cans tumbling down the road. :)

Trying to keep my mind off it because I am scrambling to get some major projects done.

I've read that the winds should reside around 5am...but they are still supposed to be gusty tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Mike, thanks for the post, especially for telling us what "Level 3 Advisory" means. I also appreciate all the tips, what to do, what not to do. They may A bit obvious but very helpful nonetheless.

Anonymous said...

i just can't help but to keep repeating...Please let me keep my roof. It's horrifying. the sound. when it gusts up it sounds like it can take the roof at any time.

Anonymous said...

we still have power here on the east side...however the wind has knocked our screens off two windows!

Anonymous said...

William, that is dudette LOL.

Justin, my daughter got a chuckle out of it too...dang took 10 mins to get the blurries away..

Now, as about the winds, still very strong, I keep poking my head out the door watching the trees and power lines.. hard to hold the door open with these winds.. my neighbors cable wire is on the ground..This time I did wear my glasses:)

Teri in Laf

William said...

Sorry,

Forgot which Teri i was talking to

Anonymous said...

I know Teri as tired as I am I still will stay up and keep peaking out to see whats going on like I said just a few ago I can't believe how much the power lines are blowing.

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Thats fine William, I tought it was funny...and I do know the feeling of riding a bike and being hit by a bug..One day while riding on the back of my friends 1954 Harley, He started freaking out,, he was wearing a button up shirt and a bee was stuck in his belly button.. he was in pain,, sorry I was laughing..he was not happy with me..

Teri

Anonymous said...

hello all,

I live right between romney and stockwell. Power on and off and wind is still strong. My yard, lane look like a mote(?)..neighbors lost good part of his shingles...haven't seen it this bad in the 9 years I've been here. I did see a transformer blow on my way home tonight...eerie...Hope and pray everyone can dodge this water someway.....probably be up late to keep an eye on the power and my sump.(took out 50 gal when power off)

Anonymous said...

Teri we are tracking weather stop making me laugh! :D LOL!!!!! I'M just joking with you! ;)

To FUNNY!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

oh, one more thing....at clinton prairie about 4:15 when winds came...school lost power...left and on way home came across a power line pole (the big ones) snapped in half and burning. The power lines were still live and attached and swinging over the road!!!! called approp. people and put flashers on and waited until county got there....that was wild. if it had been dark..would have probably drove right into the lines!!!@! Laura

Anonymous said...

typos, Oh my!

Teri

Anonymous said...

Laura, glad to hear you are safe! How scary.. thanks for letting us know.

Teri

Anonymous said...

Just caught up reading the posts. Kinda wild out there, huh? I checked the anemometer and caught a peak gust at 41 mph at 6:38 p.m.. I've been watching it, looks like it is steady around 18 mph here in town, I bet it is a nightmare in the country! Ended up with 1.26 inches rain, how about you, William? BTW I will send you an email with a request for pix.

good news about your family, Teri!

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

Have any of you had this thought? IF the winds were this high in a severe t-storm I would BE in hiding, how about you???

MA

Our power went out twice. I have been at church to bible study so was quite a shock to come out of the basement. The temp has dropped to 36*

Anonymous said...

Teri, it was a little unnerving driving home at 7:30 -8pm tonight. everything dark. windy and water everywhere. My poor son was saying Our Father's and Hail Mary's. Made us both feel better....looks like worst is over...however, I hear water running over my upstairs ceiling!!!! Wonder if we lost shingles too....can't wait to see tomorrow.....take care, all....i don't post much but do read alot...you guys are great.....

Anonymous said...

That is it for me. I have to go chill out on the couch for a bit so that I can calm my nerves before bed.

*I think* that I just heard one of my trash cans take off for flight but not sure if its worth chasing down. Maybe if its the one that is all cracked, I will pretend that I didn't see it. :p

Have a safe night everyone and tune in to see what Mike has to say about today's events!

Anonymous said...

Becky YOU be careful out there on the paper route tonight!!

And a gentle reminder for all bloggers....some are giving pretty definite locations to others. While we assume we are the only ones on here and we are family---in truth we never know WHO is on here at all. Just be careful.

MA

Anonymous said...

oops....the Hail Mary's was me....Laura....my husband thinks I am nuts about weather....I say I am informed and prepared...I drive 35000 miles for work every year.....why wouldn't I????!!!

Serendipity said...

We live downtown in a 100+ year old building on Main St -- very sturdy! We even feel the wind gusts rocking our building. Nothing like sitting at your desk to watch and then feel your chair, desk and computer shake. At first, it almost felt like a tremor, then you could hear the wind so we knew better.

Even though it started earlier this evening, the building is still shaking every time a big gust hits it hours later. No more rain from what I can see. Just lots and lots of wind.

Anonymous said...

I was sitting in the parking lot at Tractor Supply while my husband went in to buy trash cans, all the sudden a bunch of carts came racing through the parking lot and smashed into the back of our SUV felt like we had been rear ended!! Crazyiness!!!

Anonymous said...

This is pretty bad. The winds are very strong. It reminds me of when a hurricane blow through the beach area I grew up around as a kid. It is an awesome feeling when you have 105 to 115 mph winds while walking along the shoreline. Yes, it is dangerous, but I was from the Northeast and you cannot really go far because of the crowds. I will say the ocean is also fierce, but it is so beautiful to see the water rolling from a sand dune. The sand blowing on legs when wearing shorts on the otherhand.....

Anonymous said...

And for you SNOW lovers...this from Chicago NWS:

SIGNIFICANT SNOW IS LIKELY FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY

not sure just where this will be!

MA

Anonymous said...

im confused? look at the temps they have posted for the 7 day forcast, where r those supposed to be? not here surely!?!?

scott