Flash flooding and a rising water level on Clifty Creek led to flooded streets in the Wehmeier addition, with some water damaging homes in the "lower" or "valley" portion of the housing area.
Bartholomew County Emergency Management Director Shannan Cooke said the flash flooding at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday caused high water on the streets near Clifty Drive and Columbus East High School, and also caused water and sewage to back up in homes due to drainage issues caused by rainfall.
Columbus officials did respond to Steinhurst Manor Apartments when residents there reported the complex did not have power and was surrounded by water, but all but one resident decided to stay in their homes. Initially the city opened a shelter at Donner Center, but only one person decided to go there, and it was closed on Sunday after that person left.
The only other evacuation Saturday was for a cabin on County Road 900N, one in a series of 10 that were surrounded by water after the Driftwood River rose rapidly. Only was cabin was occupied and individuals there were helped out of the structure, Cooke said.
An Everbridge warning was sent out to the Wehmeier addition Saturday night warning of the rising water, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman. The Columbus Fire Department had several engine companies go through the neighborhood door to door to make sure residents were safe, he said.
Some residents reported knee-deep water on the roadways around Indiana Avenue, Clifty Drive, Glendale Drive and Fairview Drive, some of which went into homes.
"The neighborhood ‘valleys’ in the middle," Wilson said of Wehmeier. "There are lower areas of that neighborhood."
On Sunday morning, Wilson said he drove through the area and the water had receded, although there were two abandoned cars on Indiana Avenue.
Bartholomew County Emergency Management is asking residents in the Wehmeier addition in Columbus who had flash flooding damage to contact their office to report it at 812-379-1680.
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Bartholomew County Emergency Management is asking residents in the Wehmeier addition in Columbus who had flash flooding damage to contact their office to report it at 812-379-1680.
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Residents impacted by the severe storms over the weekend are asked to contact Indiana 211 to report storm damage and help with a statewide damage assessment.
The storm produced several tornado warnings and resulted in severe flooding in some areas. The storms damaged or destroyed multiple buildings, caused evacuations and resulted in temporary shelters erected in counties with considerable damage. At least one death in Monroe County has been attributed to the swift-moving storm.
In addition to local public safety crews, Indiana Department of Homeland Security personnel have been deployed to specific counties with damage, including Franklin, Steuben, Jefferson and Monroe counties. In all, more than 20 counties have reported damage thus far.
To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damages, Indiana 211 will be collecting damage reports from Hoosiers. Residents with damage can call 211 or visit the Indiana 211 website.
Indiana 211 also will be working with the Family and Social Services Administration to help connect Hoosiers with additional services, including temporary housing, food and other essentials. The local American Red Cross also is assisting.
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