Indianapolis officials news conference at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 15, 2026, on flooding INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Emergency crews rescued stranded motorists and officials suggested more residents along the White River prepare to evacuate as Indianapolis dealt with near-record flooding that submerged some streets. On Saturday night, city officials said White River floodwaters peaked on the city’s north side, but the surge is now moving south. Indianapolis Department of Public Works shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday identified four area at risk for what it called potential flooding. Residents were urged to have a plan in place to evacuate if needed. Sunshine Gardens is bordered by I-465 to the north, Epler Avenue to the south, Warman Avenue to the east and the White River to the west. Southport Road between the White River and Tibbs Avenue, including the Indy Lakes Campground. The east side of the White River south of Raymond Street, and bounded on the east by West Street and Bluff Road, and north of Southern Avenue. The Hi-Acre Manor neighborhood west of the White River and north of I-465. Engineers with the city government expect the river to reach its peak at the Raymond Street gauge around 2 a.m. Sunday. While north-side water levels should recede after holding steady for several hours, crews are monitoring levees and control gates. Circle City Broadcasting’s Angela Moryan captured photos Saturday morning of people being rescued near 78th Street and Keystone Avenue. Indianapolis Department of Homeland Security said Saturday afternoon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was monitoring a leaky levee at the Warfleigh housing subdivision along the White River along Meridian Street. Marion County Emergency Management said Saturday night that AES Indiana will survey the Ravenswood neighborhood Sunday to identify potential power shut-offs because of high water. Ravenswood is bordered by North Keystone Avenue, East 65th Street and the White River. The utility company said any outages would be a precaution. Indianapolis Fire Department estimated 95 residents and 45 pets had been saved in 51 water rescues as of 5 p.m. Saturday. Of those rescues, 49 happened after 8 a.m. Saturday. Emergency shelters were opened, and volunteers were working to help people. Earlier, officials urged residents in Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood to leave their homes immediately. The White River is expected to crest before 8 p.m. Saturday in those neighborhoods. Officials are watching the 53rd Street gate in Rocky Ripple and may close it. Persistent rain over several days has left some city streets underwater. City and Marion County emergency management teams started emergency operations to assess neighborhood damage and clear debris from blocked roads. A road failure closed 96th Street and Brandt Road, and officials were considering closing Westfield Boulevard. Other flooded areas include the 56th Street bridge over the White River, East 67th Street by North College Avenue, and the entire Rocky Ripple community. Drivers should not try to drive through any flooded roads. Additionally, many trails on the city’s north side are impassable. Residents should not walk or bike on submerged trails or greenways. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gauge along 86th Street in the Nora area showed that the White River at 3 and 4 p.m. Saturday was at 21.18 feet. The record is 22.4 feet on Jan. 1, 1991, for the gauge that began operating Oct. 1, 1987. The river was expected to remain at the same level until after midnight. Rain was expected to continue through at least Sunday, making it difficult to predict how much more flooding will happen. The city opened distribution centers to give out food, water, and emergency supplies. Volunteers are also assisting with cleanup and support services. Two primary shelters initially were opened for Indianapolis residents. Residents without pets can go to the American Red Cross shelter at the Washington Township Schools Services Center, 8401 Westfield Blvd. Residents with pets were initially directed to Broad Ripple Park Family Center, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., but the city government announced Saturday night that it will close at 10 p.m. So, new shelter for residents with pets was opened at 7 p.m. at the Noble Shelter, 2406 N. Tibbs Ave. Indianapolis Fire Department reported that shelter information is being provided as it is available. Residents who need help evacuating can text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283 or call the city’s non-emergency line at 317-327-3811. Citizens Energy Group said it has temporarily suspended a portion of operations at its White River North water treatment plant to protect infrastructure and maintain system reliability. Citizens asked customers to limit discretionary water use while conditions remain challenging. The Indianapolis Foundation is accepting cash donations for residents affected by the flooding. (Provided Photo/National Weather Service) PHOTOS: Historic flooding across Indianapolis ...read more read less