1/5/2005
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [cell] 408-4474
Jo Lynn Garing, [cell] 408-4473
Margie Smith-Simmons, DPW, [cell] 945-2529 |
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Rainfall/Flooding Update - 6 p.m.
City issues 'high water alert'
INDIANAPOLIS - Heavy rainfall this week has caused flooding in many parts of the city, local officials said today. Below are several updates from officials monitoring the situation:
• High Water Alert. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responding to hundreds of reports of high water in neighborhoods, at intersections and on major thoroughfares. DPW is placing barricades and "high water" signs in as many flooded areas as possible. Because of changing weather conditions, it is not known when water in flooded streets and neighborhoods will recede.
Therefore, DPW has issued a "high water alert" and urges the following:
--Motorists should not try to drive through areas of high water, no matter how shallow it looks.
--Do not assume that because there are no barricades that crossing a flooded street or intersection is safe. Barricades may be damaged or float away with rising floodwater.
--Parents or other adults should not allow children to play in or near flooded streets, drainage ditches, or anywhere near an open manhole.
--These conditions are serious threats to public safety and should be heeded.
• Possibility of freezing rain. Rain is expected tonight through Thursday morning - 1-2" additional expected with temperatures predicted to be right at or slightly above freezing today and tonight. There also is a potential for freezing rain throughout the evening and early morning hours. DPW will have a full crew on duty through 11 a.m. Thursday to pre-salt the bridges, overpasses and roadways in preparation for tonight's expected freezing precipitation (once the rain has stopped).
• EOC. The city's Emergency Operations Center has been activated and personnel from the Mayor's Office, the Marion County Emergency Management Division, Indianapolis Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Department, Indianapolis Fire Department, DPW, Indy Parks, the Red Cross and other local agencies currently are monitoring flood activity throughout the county.
• Mayor's Action Center. The Mayor's Action Center will remain open until 9 p.m. this evening to assist residents in reporting any problems related to flooding, high water, stormwater overflows and water entering homes connected to the city sewer system. It will be open tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. The Mayor's Action Center can be reached at 327-4MAC (4622).
• Evacuation. Residents who are affected by the flooding are not required to evacuate their homes at this time, but are advised to do so if the flooding is severe.
• Park closures. Indy Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed several parks and trails due to dangerous high water conditions. Signs and barricades are currently being placed at effected areas, and the public is asked to use caution at all park locations with high waters.
Indy Parks urges residents to use extreme caution around all parks and trails bordering ponds, streams, or rivers. Once high water recedes, residents may call 327-PARK for park re-opening information. Current closings include:
• Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th Street
• Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Rd.
• Lake Sullivan Park/Major Taylor Sports Complex, 3700 Cold Springs Rd.
• Riverside Park , 2420 N. Riverside Dr., main parking lot (accessible via south parking lot)
• Fall Creek Trail
• Pogues Run Art & Nature Park, 2300 N. DeQuincy Street
• Town Run Trail Park, 5401 E. 96th Street
• White River. City officials are monitoring water levels along the White River in various parts of the city that are known to flood, including Ravenswood and Frog Hollow.
• Dams & levees. DPW is monitoring the integrity of the city's dams and levees throughout the city.
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