Caution urged as weekend flood risk looms in Goshen

GOSHEN, Ind. — The City of Goshen is cautioning residents about a weekend flood risk due to rising Elkhart River levels.

Rainfall across northern Indiana is increasing water levels in the Elkhart River and its connected waterways. City officials are monitoring conditions closely.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service show the river could reach Minor Flood Stage (7 feet) by Saturday morning.

As of 7:45 a.m. Friday, the Elkhart River stood at 6.76 feet. It is now forecasted to crest at 7.1 feet late Friday evening. Rain expected overnight is not likely to raise water levels in Goshen. However, it may slow how quickly the river recedes.

The Elkhart River is expected to fall below Minor Flood Stage by Sunday morning and below Action Stage by Tuesday morning.

Stormwater Coordinator Jason Kauffman confirmed early flooding Thursday along Rock Run Creek at Abshire Park and south of the Rieth Interpretive Center.

Flooded Shanklin Park during the February 2018 Flood (photo credit Andrew Kauffman)

Weekend flood risk concern areas

Areas of concern if river reaches 7 to 9 feet include:

• Mullet Park, Shanklin Park, and W Waverly Avenue
• Trinity Square Shopping Center parking lot
• Chicago Avenue (floodwaters at edge at 8.43 feet; underwater at 8.62 feet)
• Rogers Park and Linway Pond
• Oakridge Park and Creekside Estates Mobile Home Park near Rock Run Creek
• Kercher Road near Lateral K Ditch (overflow begins at 8.43 feet)

Additionally, flash flooding may occur more quickly around Leedy Ditch, Rock Run Creek, and Horn Ditch, especially near Monroe Street, Lippert Components, and the Spring Brooke and Crossing subdivisions. Areas around Fidler Pond, the Goshen Intermediate School site, and mobile home parks near Leedy Ditch may also be affected.

For the latest forecast and water level predictions, visit the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service at:
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=iwx&gage=gshi3

Sandbag requests

Residents who need sandbags may request them by calling the Goshen Street Department at 574-534-9711 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at:
https://goshenindiana.org/government/departments/street-department/

Flood safety tips

The City urges all residents to stay safe during potential flooding:

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.
• Avoid low-lying areas, especially near rivers, streams, and ditches.
• Move valuable items to higher ground if your home is in a flood-prone area.
• Keep children and pets away from fast-moving or standing water.
• Prepare an emergency kit and review your household emergency plan.
• Residents may help reduce localized flooding by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains near their homes. If a storm drain is blocked or unsafe to access, contact the Street Department at 574-534-9711.

Anyone experiencing a flash flood emergency should call 911 immediately.

Flood safety resources and zone maps are available at:
https://goshenindiana.org/living/flood-zone/

Stay informed

Flood updates and emergency information will be posted at goshenindiana.org and on the City’s Facebook account as conditions warrant.

For further updates, contact the Stormwater Department at 574-534-2201.