Flood Warning Issued for Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan

Key Areas Affected

The National Weather Service (NWS) has officially declared a Flood Warning for various rivers across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, particularly impacting areas such as Noble County in Indiana. Here are the major rivers currently under observation:

• North Branch Elkhart River at Cosperville, Indiana
• Saint Joseph River at South Bend, Michigan, affecting Elkhart, Berrien, and St. Joseph Counties

Latest Updates on Water Levels

Recent rainfall has caused river levels to rise significantly. For the Elkhart River, which includes the towns of Goshen and Cosperville, moderate flooding is anticipated. Residents and visitors in these areas should remain vigilant as the situation evolves.

Flooding Forecast

• Elkhart River: Moderate flooding is expected to impact local communities.
• Saint Joseph River: Minor flooding is forecasted from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning.

Important Details for the Saint Joseph River

• Flood Stage: 5.5 feet
• Current Stage: 4.8 feet (as of 10:15 PM EDT Wednesday)
• Forecast: The river is expected to exceed flood stage early Thursday afternoon, reaching a peak of 6.1 feet by Friday morning. Waters are anticipated to fall below flood stage by Sunday morning.

Impact of Rising Waters

At a river level of 6.0 feet, flooding will primarily affect park land and golf courses. Notable locations such as Leeper Park and Petro Golf Course are projected to experience flooding.

Precautionary Measures

Residents should exercise caution during this time. The National Weather Service warns:
“Turn around, don’t drown!” when approaching flooded roads. The majority of flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles, underscoring the importance of heeding safety measures.

Additional Resources

For ongoing updates and detailed river forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website under the Rivers and Lakes section. You can also find safety tips and flood preparedness information at the NWS Flood Safety page.

Conclusion

Stay informed and take necessary precautions as Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan face the impending threat of flooding. Keep an eye on local weather updates and be prepared to adjust your plans to ensure safety during this flood event. The next update will be issued Thursday afternoon at 5:15 PM EDT.