The Memorial "Swinging" Bridge at Winamac Thursday afternoon Feb. 7	... and at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 9

By Karen Clem Fritz

Update: The Tippecanoe River crested at 15.03 feet at 12:15 a.m., Saturday (Feb. 9), according to the National Weather Service, as measured at the Winamac river gauge. At 3:30 a.m., the measurement remained at 15.03 feet, but at 8:30 a.m., the level had dropped to 14.94 feet. As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service had scaled back its forecast of the crest of the Tippecanoe River in Winamac to 15.1 feet.

WINAMAC (Thursday Feb. 7) - The Tippecanoe River is forecast to crest at a new record level of 16 feet at 1 p.m., Saturday (Feb. 9) in Winamac, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported that the predicted flooding severity had changed from “major” to “record severity” for the Tippecanoe River above Winamac, affecting Pulaski, White and Carroll counties.

The Pulaski County Commissioners Tuesday declared a state of emergency due to flooding conditions near the river and streams, and flooded roadways.

The historic record level for the river in Winamac is 15.40 feet which occurred on Feb. 20, 1985. Last month the river crested near that record at 15.11 feet on Jan. 11.

Flood stage on the Tippecanoe at Winamac is 10 feet. As of 3 p.m., Thursday afternoon, the river was measured at 13.56 feet and rising at the Winamac river gauge. At 9 a.m., Friday morning, the river was measured at 14.75 feet.

Flood waters flow across Old SR 14, looking toward Washington St. Bridge Saturday morning

Pulaski County Emergency Management Director Larry Hoover estimates that 200 homes along the river will be affected by flood waters, from where the river enters the county near Monterey to where it flows into White County south of the village of Pulaski.

"Some residents have self-evacuated, and some won't leave," Hoover reports. "All those who have left their homes are urged to notify 911 or my office so we know that they are safe."

At record flood levels, Hoover said residents will, of course, see waters flow into homes that have never been affected before, some county roads under water, and perhaps the river flowing over the Memorial "Swinging" Bridge at the Winamac park.

Hoover's office is receiving assistance from the county sheriff's office and the state, as well as many local volunteers.

Winamac Park from Washington St. Bridge Thursday afternoon

Sandbags and Shelter Available

Sandbags are available for public use and may be picked up at Hoover's office at the courthouse in Winamac. The telephone number is 574-946-6391.

The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter in Winamac at Bethel Bible Church on SR 14, seven miles west of Winamac. The Red Cross has sent its Emergency Response Vehicle with cots, blankets, food and other items. Residents who come to the shelter are encouraged to bring medicines, pillows, bedding, things for children and items of comfort. The Red Cross chapter in St. Joseph County set up the shelter after a request by the Emergency Management Agency.

The National Weather Services warns to never drive vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Also, children should never be allowed to play in or near flood waters.

Many highways in the area and across the state are closed due to high water. SR 119 between U.S. 35 and SR 16 is closed in Pulaski and White counties. In Cass and Fulton counties SR 17 between SR 16 and SR 14 is closed.

Click here for Indiana Road Conditions

Upstream on the Tippecanoe, the river is expected to crest at 16 feet Saturday morning (Feb. 9) at Ora. Flood stage there is 12 feet.

On Thursday afternoon, the river was measured at 15.52 feet at the Ora gauge. The historic record was set there last month at 15.63 feet on Jan. 10. The previous record was 15.22 feet on August 20, 1990.

Historic Octagon Pavilion at Winamac Park

 

Record water levels on the Tippecanoe River at Winamac have been recorded by the National Weather Service as follows:

Historical Crests
(1) 15.40 ft on 02/20/1985
(2) 15.11 ft on 01/11/2008
(3) 15.00 ft on 03/11/1982
(3) 15.00 ft on 06/13/1981
(5) 14.50 ft on 01/07/1993
(6) 13.63 ft on 01/16/2005
(7) 13.40 ft on 01/15/2005
(8) 13.20 ft on 07/22/1996
(9) 12.57 ft on 10/04/1986
(10) 12.50 ft on 04/26/1999

Low Water Records
(1) 3.1 ft on 09/13/2005
(1) 3.1 ft on 09/12/2005

Click here for Tippecanoe River Forecasts

The bottom of Main Street at Winamac Park Saturday morning	Flooded home on Old SR 14

Send us your photos: office@pulaskicountyexpress.com

LOCAL DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION - No. 1

Due to flooding conditions in Pulaski County a "Local Disaster Emergency Declaration" is being declared by the Pulaski County Board of Commissioners, effective as of 9 a.m., Feb. 6, 2008, and until further notice.

Low areas of Pulaski County Roads are being flooded by rain run-off and with the flooding of the Tippecanoe River and all county ditches. Caution should be taken due to moving water washing across roads. This water moving across the roads may cause the road to wash away.

It is advised that if you are in a flooding area to seek higher ground.

The Tippecanoe and its tributaries are expected to crest at 17 feet.

If you evacuate your home you should advise the 911 Center in the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. Also advise them of a phone number where you can be reached.

This declaration is in force until advised that the Emergency has ended.

Commissioners Michael T. Tiede, Paul D. Grandstaff, Terry L. Young

LOCAL DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION - No. 2
PULASKI County, Indiana
Authority

Whereas, PULASKI County, Indiana has been impacted by or is immediately threatened by natural severe flooding

On Feb. 6, 2008 at 9 a.m., severe flooding on the Tippecanoe and its tributaries is expected to crest at 17ft and will be a threat until further notice and;

Now, therefore, we, the PULASKI County Board of Commissioners, declare that a local disaster emergency exists in the county and that we hereby invoke and declare those portions of the Indiana Code which are applicable to the conditions and have caused the issuance of this proclamation, to be in full force and effect in the county for the exercise of all necessary emergency authority for protection of the lives and property of the people of this county and the restoration of local government with a minimum of interruption.

Due to such flooding the residents of Pulaski County are cautioned not to drive through any water.

Reference is hereby made to all appropriate laws, statutes, ordinances, and resolutions and particularly to Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.

All public offices and employees of PULASKI County are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in the discharge of duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in execution of emergency laws, regulations, and directives-state and local.

All citizens are called upon and directed to comply with necessary emergency measures, to cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and to obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

All operating forces will direct their communications and requests for assistance and operations directly to the PULASKI County Emergency Operating Center. (574-946-6391)

In witness, whereof, we have hereunto set our hand this 6th day of February , 2008.

Commissioners Michael T. Tiede, Paul D. Grandstaff, Terry L. Young