LAWRENCE COUNTY — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has extended a regional Flood Warning for Lawrence County and multiple surrounding south-central and southwestern Indiana counties following heavy, excessive rainfall over the last 24 hours.
The ongoing weather system has dumped between 1 and 3 inches of rain across the region, triggering immediate runoff and high-water concerns.
The extended Flood Warning encompasses a broad footprint across central and southern Indiana. According to NWS meteorologists, the areas experiencing the most significant impacts include:
- Lawrence County (particularly northwestern portions, including Bedford, Oolitic, and Avoca)
- Monroe County (southeastern portions, including Harrodsburg, Smithville, and the Fairfax State Recreation Area)
- Jackson County (western portions)
- Daviess County (southern portions)
- Greene County (southeastern portions)
- Martin County
Additional impacted municipalities specifically named in the NWS advisory include Nashville, Shoals, Loogootee, Montgomery, Cannelburg, Alfordsville, Silverville, Williams, Owensburg, Bartlettsville, Huron, Indian Springs, and Heltonville, as well as areas surrounding the Monroe Reservoir.
Emergency management officials report that flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying, flood-prone locations is actively occurring.
While the bulk of the heaviest rainfall has moved out of the immediate area, accumulated runoff continues to feed into local tributaries. Many area low-water crossings are completely inundated with water and remain entirely impassable. Local commuters are urged to exercise extreme caution on rural routes where pooling water can hide washed-out pavement or deep currents.
NWS Safety Guidelines: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
Weather officials stress that the vast majority of flood-related fatalities occur within vehicles when drivers underestimate the depth or speed of moving water.
The NWS issued the following safety reminders for residents in the warned area:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: If you encounter a flooded roadway, do not attempt to drive through it. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most small cars.
- Nighttime Awareness: Be especially cautious when driving at night, as it is significantly harder to recognize the immediate dangers of flash flooding, downed trees, or submerged roadways in the dark.
- Monitor Local Streams: Residents living along flood-prone creeks and streams should remain vigilant and prepare to move to higher ground if water levels begin to threaten property.
Local emergency dispatchers remind residents to never bypass official high-water barricades, as road crews place them specifically where infrastructure integrity is compromised.
