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!!