INDOT, ISP Urge Safe Travel Following Severe Storms

Locally, Franklin County is under a Level Orange Travel Watch

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police are urging drivers to travel safely in areas experiencing flooding and severe weather.

Over the past 24 hours, locations in northeast, central and southeast Indiana have seen upwards of six to eight inches of rain, with more expected through the end of the week leading to impassable roads.

Locally, Franklin County was hit especially hard. The county is currently under a Level Orange Travel Watch, which means only essential travel to and from work or emergencies. Emergency plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations.

Franklin County Schools are closed for a second consecutive day due to conditions throughout the county. 

Ripley County is currently under a Yellow Travel Advisory. 

“I’m closely monitoring conditions and have directed INDOT, Indiana State Police and our other state agencies to deploy resources wherever they’re needed as severe weather continues across Indiana,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Please take road closures and high-water warnings seriously. Plan your travel carefully, avoid areas prone to flooding and never drive around barricades or through floodwaters.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen state highways and U.S. routes were closed across Indiana due to flooding and weather-related impacts. That number could potentially grow with additional severe weather expected through Friday.

INDOT crews are implementing road closures where necessary, as well as clearing drains and debris from roadways, to maintain safe travel conditions. State Police are continuing to patrol roadways, assisting motorists and providing support to local agencies in the hardest hit communities.

“INDOT is actively working to address weather-related issues on state-maintained roads,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “The agency is keeping a close eye on conditions and closing roads as necessary to help keep people out of harm’s way. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways.”

"Safety must always come first during heavy rainfall and flooding events,” said ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott. “We urge everyone to avoid areas with high water, as conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet, and just twelve inches to sweep away small vehicles. Please obey all road closures, never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roadways, and remember the lifesaving rule: turn around, don't drown."

If you must travel and encounter high water, do not attempt to continue driving. Always turn around and find an alternate route. Remember to slow down, turn on your headlights and watch for ponding or debris in the roadway as weather moves through. Due to widespread power outages, especially in northern Indiana, drivers may find non-functioning traffic signals. In these instances, intersections should be treated as all-way stops.  

View the latest updates on road closures and conditions from INDOT at 511in.org