SEYMOUR — Residents along the East Fork White River near Seymour are under a flood warning through Tuesday afternoon as a combination of rapid snowmelt and recent heavy rainfall pushes the waterway just past its banks.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued the warning Monday after nearly an inch of rain fell across the region, saturating the ground and forcing the river to reach its 12-foot flood stage by late morning. While the flooding is currently classified as minor, hydrologists expect the river to reach a crest of 12.1 feet on Monday evening before the water begins a steady recession.
The rising levels are already impacting the surrounding landscape, with officials reporting that significant agricultural acreage is beginning to flood. Several local roads in Jackson, Lawrence, and Washington counties are also affected by high water, prompting emergency management to issue stern reminders regarding traveler safety.
National Weather Service officials emphasized the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign, noting that the majority of flood-related fatalities occur within vehicles. Motorists are urged not to circumvent barricades or attempt to navigate through any area where water covers the roadway, as even shallow currents can be strong enough to sweep a car off the road.
Current forecasts indicate that the East Fork White River will fall back below flood stage shortly after midnight tonight. The formal flood warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday to allow for the clearance of affected roadways.
