Dear All,
The weather does not sound very promising for the next few days and there is a chance of very heavy rains and a Flash Flood Watch is in is in effect. Currently I have heard that we could have 3″ – 4″ for the entire weekend. We want to be prepared and aware, as we could get more or it may come down heavy at one time. Please see the information below that I received this a.m. from the City.
What is REALLY important is to prevent problems on streets in your neighborhoods. Please make sure that any storm drains are clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If you have a storm drain in front of your home or nearby, check it not only today, but throughout the weekend as when leaves come down in storms they will clog a drain quickly. If drains are not kept clear they can back up and cause streets to flood. This can create dangerous situations. Also, keep gutters clear as well for they do wash down to storm drains.
Hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not drive through flooded streets and use extreme caution if traveling during storms or heavy rains. If you have sump pumps, check to make sure they are running correctly. Be safe and don’t forget to make sure that water can flow down storm drains in your area without being blocked.
Feel free to forward this information on to others not only in our district, but throughout Marion County. That could be very helpful to those who are not receiving this information.
Sincerely,
Janice McHenry
City-County Councillor District 6
Office of Public Health and Safety, DPW urge residents to take precautions ahead of Flash Flood Watch
City agencies monitoring conditions, preparing to respond to the weekend’s expected rapid rainfall
INDIANAPOLIS – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Indianapolis effective Saturday morning through Sunday evening, with widespread showers, thunderstorms, and heavy rain expected. A Flash Flood Watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding – residents are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared to take action should a Flash Flood Warning be issued.
The Emergency Operations Center is open and will continue to monitor conditions throughout the weekend, convening public safety partners and the Department of Public Works to provide a coordinated rapid response to potential areas of concern in Indianapolis neighborhoods. DPW will have stormwater rapid response, forestry, and traffic crews on standby all weekend.
Ahead of the expected weather, DPW reminds residents to clear storm inlets of any debris that may have accumulated, ensure grass clippings do not get into storm drains, and keep driveway culverts unobstructed to help rainwater flow smoothly through the storm drain system.
OPHS urges residents to avoid walking or driving through flood waters – always remember the adage “turn around, don’t drown” – and offers the following safety tips:
• A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Drivers are encouraged to take it slow, be patient, and avoid areas with large amounts of standing water – turn around and take an alternate route.
• After periods of rainfall, water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, or chemicals.
• If road conditions or visibility become unsafe for travel, drivers are asked to pull over and move to higher ground until conditions improve.
• OPHS recommends carrying blankets, monitoring local media outlets for road closures, and carrying a charged cell phone in case of an emergency on the road.
• Residents are also encouraged to review hazardous weather plans with their family and know the nearest shelter locations. Anyone in need of non-emergency assistance during storms can call Connect2Help by dialing 2-1-1.
• If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, residents should be ready to take action and move to higher ground.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family who may be vulnerable to the current weather conditions. For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, visit ready.gov. The City is continuing to monitor conditions from the Emergency Operations Center and will send updates as changes occur.
Media Contacts:
OPHS
Aliya Wishner
317.995.7645
DPW
Charnay Pickett
317.402.3690
Aliya Wishner
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of Indianapolis
aliya.wishner@indy.gov | C: (317) 995-7645