Partial Flooding Remains a Problem in Winamac Town Park

winamactownparkOn account of the Winamac Town Park’s proximity to the Tippecanoe river and the sporadic storms that have continuously spotted the summer, the Town of Winamac has been dealing with flooding in the back of the park for weeks now. This year the Pulaski County Fair had to implement an adjusted schedule due to flooding issues, the same thing had to happen two years ago as well. Continue reading

Watch for Rising Water Levels

 
 

Rapid melting of snow could lead to minor flooding issues as temperatures warm up this week.

Snow melt and frozen ground will prevent the water from being absorbed. The National Weather Service says this combination will result in flooding of low lying areas, ponding on roads, and a rise in water levels in ditches, creeks and retention ponds.

Weather officials believe that river flooding will not be a concern at this time.

Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery said that no flood watches or warnings have been issued. He does encourage those who live in flood-prone areas to take precautions to prevent flooding. Never allow children to play near flooded areas. Do not drive around barricades that are blocking roads that are flooded. Road beds may be washed out by flood waters.

 

Severe Weather Predicted Thursday Night into Friday Morning

 
 

Severe weather is predicted for the Kankakee Valley into Friday morning.

Heavy rains may create high water areas and flooding on roads. 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. Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road – the depth of water is not always obvious. Do not drive around a barricade as they are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

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National Weather Service Issues Flood Risk Outlook Report

 
 
The latest potential flood outlook for counties in northern Indiana and southern lower Michigan has been released by the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana, indicating an increased risk of flooding later this week. Several factors will play a part in the possibly flooding, officials say, as widespread snow and ice contain a large quantity of stored water.

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Pulaski County Fairgrounds Will Be Ready for Upcoming Fair

 
 

The Pulaski County Fairgrounds will be ready for the upcoming 4-H Fair. It officially gets under way Saturday, June 29 and continues through July 5. The fairgrounds is located at the back of the Winamac Town Park, which was flooded when recent rains forced the Tippecanoe River from its banks.

Natalie Federer with Purdue Extension Pulaski County says fair board members are busy cleaning up. “Some of the water has receded. It’s still kind of wet down there, but the water is out of the buildings. We’re going to be working very hard in the next couple of days to get the buildings cleaned out again and pressure washed and sanitized, but we are on schedule again, and the fair will be down at the fairgrounds.”

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Significant Rainfall, Minor Flooding Reported in Marshall County

  
 

Minor flooding is occurring in Marshall County after significant rain fell there last night. Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery says the rain gauge at the emergency operations center recorded 2.31 inches of rainfall last night. Most of the flooding is in fields in the Plymouth and Bremen areas. Avery says the Yellow River is still well below flood stage and does not anticipate any problems. Storm spotters reported several funnel cloud sightings last night near Bremen and Culver, but Avery says there are no indications of damage consistent with a tornado touchdown. Anyone whose property sustained storm-related damage is asked to call the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 574-936-3740.

 

No Major Storm Damage Reported…Yet

Cassie Hurlburt found this hail in her yard in Winamac.
Cassie Hurlburt found this hail in her yard in Winamac.

We’ll have to wait until the sun comes up to fully assess the damage caused by last night’s storms. The National Weather Service issued a number severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings for the entire WKVI listening area as storms packing strong winds, heavy rains and hail moved through the region. Dispatchers in Starke County received reports of trees down on 1100 E., and storm spotters noted hail in Koontz Lake. Some trees were reported down in Pulaski County, and several listeners sent us photos of golf and tennis ball-sized hail. Spotters reported possible tornado sightings in Marshall County last night, but dispatchers there say no damage was reported. Continue reading

Tippecanoe River Flood Warning Remains In Effect

 
 

Major flooding is expected for the Tippecanoe River near Ora as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has placed Starke, Pulaski and Marshall Counties under a flood warning until further notice. Moderate flooding is already occurring, and major flooding is forecast. The flood stage for the Tippecanoe River at Ora is 12 feet. As of 7 p.m. Sunday it was at 13.9 feet and rising. At 15 feet, near-record flooding is in progress.

 

Marshall County EMA Director Still Concerned About Flooding

 
 
The Yellow River and the Tippecanoe River in Marshall County have crested and are receding, but Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery worries that may only be temporary.

Avery said with the three-quarters-to-an-inch of rain expected Tuesday, the rivers may rise above flood stage again. The ground is still saturated with the rain received last week and that will cause creeks, streams, ditches and rivers to swell.

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Moderate Flooding Expected for Starke County

Ted Bombagetti
Ted Bombagetti

Flooding from the recent rainfall shouldn’t be too big of a problem in Starke County. Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Bombagetti expects the Kankakee River to crest sometime today.

“It shouldn’t go more than into the moderate level, which probably will affect some of the state park area out there on 8 and 39 and maybe some agricultural property. The Yellow River here in Knox we’re looking at sometime Monday, and it’s only expected to go into the minor. I don’t expect anything to happen there.”

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Flood Warning Issued For Tippecanoe and Yellow Rivers

Flood warningFlooding is likely in the WKVI listening area due to the recent heavy rainfall. The National Weather Services has issued a flood warning for the Tippecanoe River in Ora and above Winamac and for the Yellow River at Knox and Plymouth. The most immediate concern is the Tippy in the Monterey area, which is approaching the flood stage of 12 feet. It’s expected to rise above that stage tonight and crest at 13 feet around 8 a.m. EDT Sunday. At 13 feet the river begins to affect streets and homes in downtown Monterey. This crest compares to the May 18, 2009 flood when the Tippecanoe crested at 13.3 feet. Continue reading