Northwest Indiana has seen a large increase in flooding this June compared to the same time last year, according to the National Weather Service.
In the last seven days, Northwest Indiana has seen 2 inches to 5 inches of rain. In the last two weeks, the region has seen 3 inches to 10 inches of rain, said Scott Lincoln, senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service Chicago.
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Dyer, Munster, Hammond, Griffith and Merrillville have seen rain totals closer to 10 inches over the last two weeks, Lincoln said.
This time last year, Northwest Indiana had less than an inch and a half of rain, Lincoln said. Over the last 30 years of average rainfall for this time of the year, Northwest Indiana saw an increase of 150% to 500% of rainfall, Lincoln said.
“Some of that difference year to year is typical, but a swing to 500% is a little bit much,” Lincoln said.
The National Weather Service also monitors flooding reports from citizens, like social media posts, or from first responders, and saw flooding reports in Munster, Highland, Dyer, Merrillville, Gary, Crown Point, Portage and Chesterton, throughout June so far, Lincoln said.
“It’s pretty widespread that on one of those days with heavy rain at least one of those towns mentioned somebody reported flooding, and that can be roadway flooding, that can be water in yards,” Lincoln said. “Luckily (the rain) came in these spread-out waves and we didn’t get all that rain in like a day or two days because if that had happened the impacts could’ve been much worse.”
With an increase in rain, Northwest Indiana has seen creeks and rivers with elevated water levels and some experiencing minor flooding, Lincoln said. For example, the Little Calumet River reached minor flood stage four times since June 10, he said, which means the water was close to trails, minor roads or parks.
As the Little Calumet River travels east – toward Portage, Lake Station and Gary – the water rises and falls much more slowly, so the water has stayed higher there as it continues to rain, Lincoln said. For the last week, that area of the river has been above bankful and close to flood stage for at least a week, he said.
The East Arm of the Little Calumet River at Porter, which is close to the Indiana Dunes National Park, has been above bankful three times and above flood stage twice over the last week, Lincoln said.
Dan Repay, executive director of the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, said the area’s waters have been in an elevated state of periodic downfalls for about 12 days.
“It doesn’t seem to come in quarter inches anymore,” Repay said. “It comes in multiple inches of rain at one time.”
As rainfall continues, he said the commission attempts to clear blockages as they get them. However, it’s difficult when the river is flowing fast, especially at railroad crossings or bridge decks.
Repay said the commission is thankful for the “couple sunny days” without rain. The blockages have been universal throughout its focus area, which stretches from about Merrillville to Thornton, Illinois.
“We try to do our best with preventative maintenance,” Repay said, “but with all these storms and the wind, we’ve had some large trees come down, and once you get a tree down, it just seems like everything else accumulates along with it.”
The commission has responded to damage and flooding as storms happen, Repay added. Although he hasn’t seen official rainfall amounts in the past few weeks, he estimates that the Little Calumet River’s watershed has seen about 12 to 15 inches of rain.
The Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission meets monthly, and the group continuously comes up with solutions for different scenarios, including increased rainfall like this month.
“We don’t just wait for the rains,” Repay said. “It’s a year-round exercise for us.”
The city of Hobart issued a public alert that expired at 1 p.m. Tuesday about the area’s flooding. According to the alert, Hobart received more than four-and-a-half inches of rain in the past week and more than 12 inches in the past 30 days.
“As a result, many streets, neighborhoods, and low-lying areas across the city are experiencing flooding and standing water,” the alert said. “Crews are addressing issues as they arise and will continue working to minimize impacts wherever possible.”
The city asked residents to use caution when traveling and not drive through flooded roadways. Residents are asked to contact [email protected] if they have flooding concerns or want to report an area.
The Hobart Township Trustee’s Office posted on Facebook that road access to Rosser Park is “not favorable,” but people can still access the park through walkways.
The park also has a closed sign on the gate, which the Facebook post said is misleading. The trustee’s office will add proper signage, according to the post.
“We are attempting to preserve the roadways and being proactive in preventing vehicles from becoming stuck in the muck,” the post said.
To mitigate flooding, residents could invest in rain barrels and rain gardens to allow water to collect or seep into the ground, Lincoln said. Reducing the amount of impervious surfaces, like parking lots and roofs, on a property allows rainwater to reach soil as well, Lincoln said.
The weather service encourages residents to have a plan in case of flooding, thunderstorms or tornadoes, Lincoln said, including ways to receive alerts during severe weather.
Gov. Mike Braun declared a state of disaster emergency Friday for 63 counties – including Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties – across Indiana following recent storms.
After flooding, severe weather, tornadoes, and a derecho between June 6 and June 18 throughout the state, Braun declared a state of emergency in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, as well as Marion, Tippecanoe, Jasper and St. Joseph counties, according to a statement.
“Many Hoosier communities were impacted by the severe weather that swept through our state this week. This emergency declaration ensures that every available state resource is mobilized quickly to support response efforts, help local governments address urgent needs and help Hoosiers recover,” Braun said in a statement.
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The disaster emergency, which will be in effect for 30 days, allows the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to provide financial assistance to impacted families under the State Disaster Relief Fund program, according to the statement.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved a local disaster emergency declaration Wednesday following the June 11 storms.
Northern Public Service Company reported that the June 11 storms impacted 86,640 customers and damaged 299 distribution and transmission poles and 22 transmission towers. Within 24 hours, 50% of customers had power restored and within 48 hours, 73.4% of customers had power restored, according to the company.
“While severe weather can be unpredictable, we’re always monitoring conditions and preparing to respond. When it occurs, our focus is on restoring service safety and quickly while helping our communities recover. When it matters most, we know you’re counting on us. At NIPSCO, your safety and well-being, and that of our communities, guides everything we do,” said NIPSCO president and COO Vince Parisi in an email to customers.
United Way Northwest Indiana, with the Legacy Foundation, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the town of Merrillville, is looking for volunteers to help clean up efforts in Merrillville following the storms. The clean-up will take place Friday morning, according to a news release.
The volunteers needed are heavy equipment operators, chainsaw operators, tree service professionals, contractors and skilled tradespeople, truck and trailer drivers, agricultural and construction equipment operators, general labor volunteers, faith-based organizations and civic groups, according to the release.
Residents looking for assistance or people interested in volunteering should contact United Way Northwest Indiana at -219-464-3583 or visit www.unitedwaynwi.org for additional information.
Donations for disaster relief can also be made to the Merrillville Emergency Response Fund, according to the release.
Residents throughout Northwest Indiana woke up June 12 assessing damage after the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes swept through the area and Illinois, leaving thousands of people without power.
EF3 tornadoes, with estimated wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph, caused extensive damage in Kouts and Hebron, as well as Hobart and Merrillville, on June 11, according to the National Weather Service. Less forceful tornadoes swept through the region as well.
In the aftermath of the June 11 storm, a Palos Hills couple died after a portable generator filled their camper in Portage. The couple used the generator after losing power in the storm, according to Portage fire officials.