Relentless thunderstorms have left parts of the Midwest and the Ohio Valley soaked, with communities still recovering from record river levels and widespread outages as forecasters warn more heavy rain through the coming weekend. Indiana has formally asked the federal government for emergency assistance while state and local officials scramble to protect residents and critical infrastructure.
- A week of storms caused record river levels, at least three deaths and widespread outages across the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
- Indiana requested a presidential emergency declaration through FEMA, declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency and deployed the National Guard.
- Flood maps maintained by FEMA have historically undercounted rainfall-driven flood risk, leaving many homeowners uninsured.
- Additional storms and saturated conditions raise the prospect of more flash and river flooding this weekend.
What happened
At least three people have died and more than 150,000 customers were without power as of Saturday afternoon, according to reporting that cites National Weather Service data. Rain totals in the hardest-hit areas exceeded 11 inches in the past week. In Anderson, Indiana, the White River crested at a record 24.9 feet, surpassing a flood mark that had stood since 1913.
Where the risk remains highest
The National Weather Service has forecast additional widespread storms through the Ohio Valley, the Midwest and the central Appalachians, bringing new precipitation to areas that are already saturated. Flash-flood and flood warnings were in effect across central Illinois and central Indiana, and flood watches extended from Iowa and Missouri eastward to central West Virginia.
State response and federal request
Indiana Governor Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration through FEMA, saying he has mobilized state and local resources, declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency and deployed the Indiana National Guard. The governor said he will “do everything in my power to protect Hoosier lives and livelihoods” as officials respond to what he called historic severe weather.
Human and economic impact
Local business owners and homeowners described the immediate damage. Cyndee Gillmore, owner of Cornerstone Campground and Retreat Center in New Castle, Indiana, told reporters five feet of water swept across the property, flooding key buildings and mobile campers. Gillmore said many in the community lack flood insurance and worry about how they will pay to rebuild.
Federal flood insurance is principally managed by FEMA, which maps high-risk areas and requires coverage for homeowners with federally backed mortgages. But reporting cited in coverage notes that FEMA flood maps historically have emphasized coastal storm surge and large-river flooding and have not fully accounted for heavy rainfall and flash flooding — leaving many properties outside designated floodplains and uninsured.
Drivers of the threat
Weather agencies recorded localized extreme rainfall totals this week: almost 10 inches at Washington Municipal Airport in Iowa; nearly 8 inches in Glouster, Ohio; and more than 6 inches in Elkhorn Creek, Kentucky. In addition to heavy rain, parts of Indiana experienced periodic tornadoes and a derecho over recent days, exacerbating damage and complicating response efforts.
Why FEMA maps matter
Investigations by news organizations and analysis firms have found that more Americans live in flood-prone places than FEMA’s maps indicate, because the maps emphasize coastal and riverine hazards and have not incorporated modern rainfall-driven flood risks at scale. One climate risk modeling firm, First Street, identified more than twice as many Americans in danger zones than FEMA’s maps show. Reporting cited an example in western North Carolina where Hurricane Helene in 2024 damaged homes that largely were not in FEMA-designated floodplains; 98% of the damaged homes were outside those mapped zones.
What to expect next
With soil and waterways already saturated, additional storms will raise the risk of both flash flooding and more prolonged high-water events downstream as rain runs into creeks and rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted minor to major flooding in some areas as the new round of storms moves through.
Unresolved questions
- Whether FEMA will approve a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana and, if so, the scope and timing of federal funding and resources.
- How many affected homeowners live outside FEMA-designated floodplains and therefore lack mandated federal flood insurance.
- How state and local officials will prioritize repairs and assistance while more rain remains possible this weekend.
Timeline of recent events
- Over the past week: A string of thunderstorms delivered heavy rainfall across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, producing localized totals over 11 inches in some places.
- Record crest: The White River in Anderson, Indiana, reached 24.9 feet, the highest level since at least 1913.
- State actions: Indiana declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency, deployed the National Guard and requested a presidential emergency declaration through FEMA.
- Ongoing forecast: The National Weather Service and NOAA warned of additional widespread storms and potential minor to major flooding through the weekend.
Practical implications for residents
Officials advising areas under watches and warnings urge people to avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, prepare for potential power outages and check local emergency guidance. For homeowners, the reporting highlights that not all flood risk is reflected on FEMA maps — making private-market flood insurance or updated community planning considerations important for long-term resilience.
“We’re going to keep our focus on God,” Gillmore said while describing community support as volunteers pitched in to help neighbors recover.
As the Midwest confronts the immediate recovery and braces for more rain, questions about insurance coverage and mapping of flood risk are likely to resurface in policy discussions if federal aid is granted and as officials assess long-term resilience needs.
