A flood watch has been issued in central Indiana by the National Weather Service. Due to heavy rainfall, a flood watch will be in effect through 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” NWS said in the flood watch. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.”
Rainfall amounts through the morning are expected to be between two and four inches, but there is potential for higher amounts.
NWS recommends Hoosiers keep a close eye on the weather to stay aware in case any flood warnings are issued and be ready to take action.
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What counties are included in the flood watch?
According to the flood watch from NWS Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Decatur, Greene, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan and Vigo counties are included.
Find the most relevant information about flood watches and warnings by visiting the Watches, Warnings & Advisories page on the NWS website, weather.forecast.gov.
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How to stay safe if there is flooding
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard, according to the NWS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.
If flooding is possible or expected, you should know the difference between a watch, advisory and warning according to NWS.
The most important thing to remember in areas where there is flooding: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
It is crucial that you turn around if you see standing or flowing water. It only takes 12 inches of water to sweep your car away.
NWS advises commuters to never drive around barriers blocking flooded areas and to follow signage that advises you to turn around. It is possible for roads to collapse underwater, making them impossible for drivers to see.
Indianapolis weather radar
Indianapolis weather forecast
Visit forecast.weather.gov for the most up-to-date forecast.
Wednesday, March 4: Scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Areas of dense fog before 3 p.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 57. East southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. Low around 53. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday, March 5: Showers. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. High near 65. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday night: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 55. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday, March 6: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South southwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Isolated showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday, March 7: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then scattered showers. High near 66. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. West northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Sunday, March 8: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman and X, formerly Twitter, at @itskatiewiseman.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Central Indiana is under a flood watch on March 4 as rainfall continues
Reporting by Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
