1/6/2005
Media Contact:
Monica Whitfield Brase, [office] 327-3690
Margie Smith-Simmons, DPW, [cell] 945-2529 |
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Rainfall/Flooding Update: Thursday, January 6, 3:30 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS - Heavy rainfall this week has caused flooding in many parts of the city. Below are updates and continuing alerts regarding the situation:
* High Water Alert. The Department of Public Works (DPW) continues to respond to 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 and is providing sandbags free of charge for personal and business use. As of this time, more than 36 roads have been barricaded as a result of high water. Because of changing weather conditions, it is not known when water in flooded streets and neighborhoods will recede.
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 a flooded street or intersection is safe to cross if no barricades are in the vicinity. 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.
* Anyone caught moving or removing a barricade will be ticketed and fined $200.
* Mayor's Action Center. The Mayor's Action Center can be reached at 327-4MAC (4622) for residents reporting problems related to flooding, high water, stormwater overflows and water entering homes connected to the city sewer system.
* Evacuation. Some residents have been evacuated as a resulting of flooding in their areas. While residents are not required to evacuate their homes at this time, they are advised to do so if the flooding or threat of flooding is severe.
* 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. The river is expected to crest on Saturday.
* Dams & levees. DPW is monitoring the integrity of the city's dams and levees throughout the city.
Park closures. Indy Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed several parks, portions of parks and greenways 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 and restrictions include:
* Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th Street. The road that runs in front of Lilly Lake Dam (inside the park from 62nd-65th streets) is blocked off. Other areas of the park are currently open.
* Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Rd. High water surrounds the area, so caution should be used. The family center is open.
* Lake Sullivan Park/Major Taylor Sports Complex, 3700 Cold Springs Rd. Closed.
* Riverside Park, 2420 N. Riverside Dr. Main parking lot is closed. The Family Center is open and accessible via the south parking lot.
* Fall Creek Trail - Closed.
* Pogues Run Art & Nature Park, 2300 N. DeQuincy Street - Closed.
* Pogues Run Greenway - Closed.
* Town Run Trail Park, 5401 E. 96th Street - Closed.
* Twelfth Night tree burning at Broad Ripple Park is cancelled.
Animal Care and Control Offices. Public access to the Indianapolis Animal Care & Control shelter is limited for the next several days. South Harding Street is closed at Raymond Street near the shelter due to extensive flooding in the area. Response times for animal-related service requests may be negatively affected by this and other street closures. Priority status will be given to requests relating to animals endangered by the weather event.
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