Emergency Powers Hit Indiana

Indiana’s governor declared a statewide disaster as floodwaters washed out roads, triggered evacuations, and forced rescues across Indianapolis and nearby counties.

Story Snapshot

Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency after days of severe storms and flooding.
Indianapolis issued a local disaster emergency and warned of possible travel bans and curfews.
A section of Interstate 70 was washed away in eastern Indiana before rapid repairs reopened it.
Rescuers evacuated residents and warned of structural risks as erosion undercut roads and buildings.

State And City Declarations Trigger Emergency Powers

Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency after severe storms, flooding, and tornado activity hit Indiana beginning August 11, 2026. The order lets state agencies move faster on aid, logistics, and road closures. In Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a local disaster emergency on August 14. The city order enabled travel bans, curfews, and work rule changes if needed, though no immediate rules were imposed at the time. Officials urged people near the White River to prepare to evacuate.

County and town leaders issued local advisories to keep drivers off flooded streets. Wayne County authorities set the highest local travel warning during peak flooding, directing residents to avoid travel altogether for safety. The Town of Pendleton issued its own emergency declaration on August 13 as water made several streets impassable and closed parts of State Street, Water Street, and other key connectors. Officials said the orders would stay in place until conditions improved and council leaders lifted them.

Road Washouts And Rapid Repairs Test Infrastructure

Floodwater washed away westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near Centerville, forcing a full closure and major detours as crews assessed damage. The Indiana Department of Transportation said contractors and state teams completed a permanent repair in about 32 hours, allowing the stretch to reopen to traffic. State transportation crews worked across the region to clear drains and prepare gear for more closures as weather shifted, noting that water levels often decided when inspections and fixes could begin.

Local routes faced similar hits. Hamilton County listed dozens of closures, including parts of State Road 37 and State Road 19, as high water covered bridges and low spots. In Indianapolis, the Department of Public Works ordered immediate evacuation for residents at River Road Apartments late Saturday due to erosion that undercut the roadway and threatened structural failure. Officials said quick movement could prevent injuries if pavement collapsed or saturated soils gave way.

Rescues, Evacuations, And Ongoing Weather Risks

City and county crews conducted water rescues, moved families to shelters, and warned drivers not to pass barricades. Indianapolis reported numerous evacuations and at least 95 rescues as rain bands stalled over neighborhoods near creeks and the White River. The National Weather Service kept flood warnings in place across a broad area, including counties south and west of the city, as rivers rose and more rain threatened to refill low areas. Officials asked residents to check local alerts before any travel.

Severe flooding washed away part of a road in Indianapolis as monster storms slam Indiana, leaving at least six people dead and triggering widespread destruction, water rescues and mass power outages across the state. pic.twitter.com/ZnuDCeT9G5

— Rain Falls (@RainFalls54) August 16, 2026

State leaders said the next phase will focus on damage counts, debris removal, and targeted repairs as water drops. Past events in Indiana show that full assessments can take days or weeks because crews must wait for water to recede before inspecting roads, homes, and utilities safely. Researchers and local planners have warned that more intense downpours can overwhelm drainage and erode roadbeds, and that delaying upgrades often costs taxpayers more after washouts than planning ahead would have.