Area rivers are under flood warnings as a result of this week’s snowfall. The flood warning has been extended for the Kankakee River at Davis Route 30 until further notice, which will affect LaPorte and Starke Counties. Officials say the stage was steady at 9.7 feet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, with minor flooding forecast. Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency Director Larry Hoover is also keeping an eye on the Tippecanoe River.
“Currently, they’re predicting the river up by Ora to just barely get into minor flood stage. Currently, the projection for Winamac is not to even reach flood stage, so it will be considerably less than we had just a couple weeks ago. Obviously, that’s going to depend upon what we get as far as warm-up and rain/snow in the future, but currently projections are barely in the flood stage up in Ora and not even flood stage here in Winamac,” Hoover explained.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road, as the depth of water isn’t always obvious and the road bed may be washed out under the water, causing you to become stranded or trapped. Do not drive around a barricade – they’re there for your protection. Do not try to take short cuts as they may be blocked.
Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
