Feb 20, 2018 - The National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service shows river levels in Elkhart at 22.7
CITY OF ELKHART FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR TIM NEESE
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2018
City of Elkhart offering sandbags to residents ELKHART (February 20, 2018) – Mayor Tim Neese announced today that sandbags will be available to Elkhart residents due to potential high water conditions. Sandbags are available for pickup at the Elkhart Street Department, located at 2421 South 17th Street, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Delivery may also be available depending on demand. Residents in need of delivery are encouraged to call John Faigh of the Elkhart Emergency Management Department at 970-7996. Sandbags will be delivered as requests are received, with priority given in areas with the greatest flood potential, including areas near the Elkhart and St. Joseph River. Both services are being provided to the public as a precautionary measure. The National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service shows river levels in Elkhart at 22.79 feet as of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20. Water levels are predicted to peak at 26 feet between Friday and Saturday. The Service indicates that at 24 feet, Island Park in Elkhart is likely to flood. As a result, the Park will be closed to the public until further notice. At 25 feet, basement flooding is likely to begin in residential areas along Sixth Street and South Shore Drive. The city is currently monitoring this area. Residents can also monitor this information by visiting: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=iwx&gage=ekmi3. Mayor Tim Neese is also reminding residents of the following flood safety tips:
Never attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. If you come across a flooded road, please report it to Elkhart City Dispatch at 293-2175 when it is safe to do so. If you are in danger, call 911. Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable. If floodwaters rise around your vehicle but the water is not moving, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. However, if the water is moving, you should not abandon your vehicle. Avoid parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning. Move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from potential flood damage. Monitor local radio, TV and social media for weather updates and emergency instructions.
There are currently no street closures in the city of Elkhart due to water levels. The city continues to monitor conditions and will provide updates as needed or as conditions change. These updates will be posted on the city’s website at www.elkhartindiana.org. -30-
