At least five people have died and more than 150,000 homes lost power after a powerful storm system dumped torrential rain across the U.S. Midwest, triggering historic flooding in central Indiana. The White River crested at nearly 25 feet in Anderson, shattering a flood record that had stood since 1913, while the National Weather Service recorded more than 11 inches of rain over two days in some areas.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared a local emergency as creeks and streams swelled throughout the region. Emergency crews rescued 91 people and 45 pets from rising floodwaters along the White River in Indianapolis, while an estimated 400 residents evacuated parts of northern Indianapolis on their own. Among the dead was an 18-year-old incoming Purdue University freshman whose body was recovered from the Mississinewa River.
Gov. Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration, which President Donald Trump approved, freeing up to $5 million in federal resources. Flash flood and flood warnings remained in effect across central Illinois and Indiana on Saturday.