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Calls for voluntary evacuation from areas expecting flooding with river crest Thursday

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 7:59 AM

By Staff report

A voluntary evacuation is recommended for residents living in low lying areas of Shelby County as water levels continue to rise.

Residents of Lee's Camp, Johnson's Camp and Walnut Grove are strongly encouraged to evacuate, as
these areas are known to flood.

This is a voluntary evacuation. No mandatory order has been issued. Residents are urged to leave before roads become
impassable. Access routes typically flood well before the crest, and emergency crews may not be able to reach residents once they do.

The National Weather Service forecasts a crest of 19.4 feet at 8 p.m. Thursday. At that level, flooding is expected to affect access roads and residential structures in low lying areas.

The Shelby County Swift Water Team is on standby and prepared to respond. However, residents should not rely on rescue as a plan. Leaving early is far safer than waiting to be reached.

If you leave
Take medications, medical equipment, identification, insurance documents, phone chargers and pet supplies.
Take pets and livestock with you if it is safe to do so.
Shut off utilities at the main if you can do so safely.
Tell family where you are going so responders can account for you.

If you stay
Move vehicles and valuables to higher ground now.
Keep a charged phone and a NOAA weather radio available.
Be prepared to lose power, water and road access for an extended period.

Shelter
Red Cross shelters are open around the clock and do not require identification.

American Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)

Relocation assistance
Residents who need help relocating, including transportation or assistance moving medical equipment, should contact Shelby County Emergency Management Agency. Phone number is 317-392-6308 with e-mail at scema@co.shelby.in.us .
Call early. Assistance may not be available once roads flood.

Road safety
Turn Around, Don't Drown. Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roadways. Twelve inches of moving water can carry away most passenger vehicles.

Do not call 911 for information
The Emergency Communications Center is experiencing a very high call volume. Call 911 only for a life threatening emergency. Do not call 911 to check road conditions, ask for directions, request road closure information or ask general questions about the flooding. Every non emergency call delays help for someone in danger.
Shelby County's non-emergency number is 317-398-6661.

Conditions are being monitored continuously and additional protective actions will be announced if the forecast worsens. Updates
will be posted to the Shelbyville Fire Department Facebook page and the National Weather Service at weather.gov/ind.

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