INDIANAPOLIS — Emergency management agencies across Indiana remain on high alert as state and federal teams mobilize widespread response efforts following a devastating multi-day storm system that brought a confirmed derecho, severe flash flooding, and tornadoes to the region.
At least seven storm-related fatalities have been confirmed, nearly 99,000 residents remain without power, and 19 counties have issued local emergency declarations as high water and infrastructure damage continue to disrupt communities statewide.
In response, Governor Mike Braun issued a statewide disaster declaration, prompting President Donald Trump to approve a federal Emergency Declaration authorizing direct assistance from FEMA across 53 affected counties.
DEVELOPING SITUATION
A confirmed derecho impacted the state and resulted in widespread damaging winds, at least two tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding. Persistent rainfall remained in the area due to high moisture and extreme instability that began on Aug. 11, 2026. The State Emergency Operations Center increased staffing levels on Aug. 12 for coordination and resource support, increasing to a Level III (Emergency Conditions).
Governor Mike Braun issued a statewide disaster declaration for the severe weather and flooding
on Aug. 13, 2026.
County Emergency Declarations: The following nineteen (19) counties have issued county emergency declarations: Carroll, Cass, Dearborn, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Porter, Pulaski, Putnam, Starke, Tipton, and Wayne counties.’
If a county has issued an emergency declaration, this means the county board of commissioners
has determined that conditions may cause emergency services to be impacted or delayed. A county emergency declaration initiates county emergency plans and allows additional resources to be provided by the state to assist local response efforts.
STATE RESPONSE
In addition to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, other agencies supporting the state-level incident response included the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Correction, Indiana National Guard, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency Integration Team members.
Mission requests:
Missions are requests submitted by county emergency management agencies and local officials to the state when community needs exceed local capabilities and require additional state support.
The state has completed thirty-four (34) mission requests to date, with fourteen (14) missions currently deployed and being utilized.
Examples of completed missions include:
- Route clearance in Lake and LaPorte counties
- High water vehicle to Marion County
- Incident management team to Franklin County
- Mobile intelli-repeater system for radio tower site in Delaware County
- Swift water resources in Wayne County
- Sandbags in Rush and Madison counties
Examples of deployed missions include:
- Providing an oxygen trailer in LaPorte County
- Traffic assistance in Madison County
- Charging stations in Fayette County
- Animal sheltering in Franklin County
FEDERAL RESPONSE
On Aug. 15, 2026, President Trump approved an Emergency Declaration for the state of Indiana to enable FEMA to directly support the ongoing response to flooding for 53 counties: Allen, Bartholomew, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Jasper, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Knox, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morgan, Newton, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, St. Joseph, Starke, Tipton, Union, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne and White counties.
With the current declaration, FEMA can provide direct federal assistance, including specialized teams, equipment, supplies, and technical support, as needed, to help Indiana protect lives, restore essential services, clear roads for emergency access, and keep communities safe. FEMA may also coordinate support from other federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal partners, to assist with response and recovery efforts.
Federal assistance is not available to homeowners and renters at this time.
The Emergency Declaration authorizes FEMA to provide emergency protective measures (limited to Direct Federal Assistance only) that the state and local governments are unable to perform to save lives and protect public health and safety. This federal support includes activities such as emergency route clearance; search and rescue; emergency temporary power restoration; and emergency communication support for first responders.
An emergency declaration does not prevent the governor from subsequently requesting a major disaster declaration for other unmet needs caused by the event, informed by an assessment of the disaster impacts and whether those impacts exceed state and local recovery capabilities. But local and state per capita indicators (thresholds) must be met.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployment to Carmel, IN, to assist with infrastructure needs is the only resource being utilized as part of the Emergency Declaration currently.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security and FEMA personnel began conducting aerial joint preliminary damage assessments throughout the state on 8/18/26. Joint preliminary damage assessments are the first step to collect the information needed to request a major disaster declaration.
POWER OUTAGES
Statewide power outage update: 98,824 as of 1400 on 8/18/2026. The majority of the power outages are in northwest Indiana.
SHELTERS
Thirteen shelters are currently open throughout the state, eight by the American Red Cross and five partner shelters, with a total population of 262. The American Red Cross shelters are at the following locations:
- YWCA – Gary, 150 W 15th Ave, Gary
- Community of Hope Church, 1968 W. Main St, Muncie
- Rangeline Community Center, N. Rangeline Rd #1405, Anderson
- Salvation Army, 1615 Meridian St, Anderson
- WT Services Center, 8401 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis
- Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 N Salisbury Rd, Richmond
- Laurel Community Center, 218 N Clay St, Laurel
- Community Fellowship Church, 505 Bielby Rd, Lawrenceburg
More information can be found here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-
recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html.
FATALITIES
Seven people have died in storm-related incidents since the storm system began on Aug. 11 in the following counties: Delaware (2), Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Jennings and Porter.
Specific details on timelines and circumstances are still being confirmed.
IDHS is aware of an additional fatality in Monroe County and is waiting for additional details to determine if it is storm-related.
ASSISTANCE REQUESTS AND DAMAGE REPORTING
The August Disaster Resource Hub is now available. The hub serves as a comprehensive resource center for individuals seeking state and federal assistance and updates related to the severe weather events that began on Aug. 11. Learn more: on.in.gov/August2026Disaster.
Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund will provide up to $5,000 in emergency aid grants to Hoosiers in need of assistance. This fund will enable families to get the basics like clothing and uninsured medical devices while they are displaced from their homes.
Indiana 211 is accepting damage reports for Cass, Dearborn, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morgan, Newton, Pike, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Tipton and Wayne counties for severe weather impacting these communities beginning Aug. 11. To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damage, residents can call 866-211-9966 or visit the Indiana 211 website on.in.gov/IN-211.
Agricultural damage should be reported to your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office.
Gov. Braun activated emergency SNAP benefit replacements for eligible SNAP recipients who lost food due to the storm or power outages. Affected Hoosiers will need to submit an affidavit for replacement benefits. The affidavit must be submitted within 10 days of the event, and the loss (due to power outage, flood, etc.) must be verified. The document may be uploaded to the FSSA Benefits Portal, faxed to 888-436-9199, or dropped off at any Division of Family Resources’ office.
The Indiana Department of Insurance is working with the Office of the Attorney General to help Hoosiers understand insurance coverage, determine next steps for uninsured losses, and protect themselves from disaster-related scams. Consumer complaints can be filed with the Attorney General’s Office at indianaconsumer.com.
Indiana residents with flood insurance should contact their insurance providers for instructions.
SAFE TRAVEL
As the flood water moves south, some waterways in the southwest portion of the state
have not yet crested. Hoosiers can find more information on INDOT routes that are
currently closed due to flooding by using the INDOT TrafficWise tool online at
https://511in.org/ or through the INDOT TrafficWise mobile app.
- Check with city, town, and county highway departments for the most up-to-date information on local roads affected by flooding.
- The IDHS Travel Advisory Map at https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/ is available to view county travel status information.
- High water continues to require the closure of some roads. Do not ignore “high water” warning signs or drive around barricades closing roads for flooding. Individuals traveling at night, when it is more difficult to see flood dangers, should be especially cautious.
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Flood water is not safe to swim or play in. Flood water contains various contaminants, chemicals, and other dangerous pollutants that can make people and animals sick. Keep children, pets, and livestock out of flood water as much as possible.
- Well water in flood-affected areas may be contaminated with pathogens and be unsafe to
drink. Residents who use wells should contact their local health department to coordinate
testing to ensure their water sources are safe to drink. Local health department contact
information can be found on the IDOH website at https://www.in.gov/health/lhd/local-health-department-map.
- Mold is a significant issue after a flood and may not be immediately visible. Those with affected homes or businesses should remove items that have been wet for two or more days. A mixture of bleach and water (no more than one cup of bleach per gallon of water) can be used on rigid surfaces such as countertops, floors, sinks, and stoves and plastic toys.
- No one who sees or experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Loss from flooding is no exception. Disaster stress and grief are normal, but there is help available if someone in the family needs mental health assistance/counseling. Immediate, free emotional support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or by calling or texting the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
FLOOD SAFETY AND CLEANUP
The Red Cross has provided steps for people to follow if their community is affected by flooding:
Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. If away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Before entering the home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, or other damage.
- If the smell of natural or propane gas is present or a hissing sound is audible, leave immediately and call the fire department.
- If power lines are down outside the home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
- Make sure all food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with flood water.
- When in doubt, throw it out!
- During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
In the aftermath of flooding and other natural disasters, property owners are vulnerable — making perfect targets for scammers pretending to offer help cleaning up wreckage and making necessary repairs. When working with someone offering services:
- Avoid agreeing to any repair or restoration work on the spot during initial contact with someone offering services – this includes contracts.
- Avoid signing any legally binding agreements without first gathering information and researching a business being represented.
- Obtain information about the individual offering his or her services.
- Research the company the individual claims to represent.
- Look for signs of credibility such as an official website.
- Seek reviews and testimonials from former customers.
For more information about actions before, during, and after flooding, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.
