Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:48:15 EST
Summary: Two days of warm weather followed by a line of intense storms has caused widespread minor flooding and ice jams across the state.
Two days of warm weather followed by a line of intense storms has caused widespread minor flooding across the state. The northern half of the state has snow cover with water content of up to 2” and frozen ground conditions which has created high run-off rates. Many rivers and streams had ice cover of several inches prior to the event and several ice jams at bridges and channel constrictions have already been reported. While forecasts are predicting only minor to moderate flooding there is the potential for significant localized flooding where these jams occur. Evacuations of homes and businesses near these jams are currently ongoing in Tippecanoe and Huntington counties.
There are currently 33 streamgages at or above flood stage across the state. Measurements were made by 3 crews (7 people) throughout the day in the central portion of the state along with 2 people coordinating in the office. One gage has damage to the orifice line from ice but all others are working properly at this time. For now, no work is expected over the weekend but the situation will be monitored and personnel may be called in if needed.