Indiana Flooding: At Least 6 Dead in Historic Storms, Trump Approves Emergency Declaration and More

Published Aug 16, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Indiana news: at least six people died as severe storms and historic flooding swept the state, with flooding described as the worst in more than 30 years; President Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana; power outages in northwest Indiana were so extensive they were visible from space; the University of Indianapolis sued IU Indianapolis over the “IU Indy” nickname and branding; and a 28-year-old father of six was killed while working at the Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor steel plant.

Historic flooding leaves at least 6 dead across Indiana

At least 6 deaths were confirmed by emergency officials as severe storms and historic flooding swept Indiana, with flooding described as the worst in more than 30 years and breaking river records set more than a century ago. (Reuters, ABC News, The Guardian, WTHR, Aug. 15-16, 2026) Hundreds were evacuated as the flood threat expanded (NBC News, Aug. 15, 2026), and the flooding left a path of destruction along the White River in central Indiana (WTHR, Aug. 16, 2026). A Flood Watch was issued for central Indiana with a Travel Advisory for Indianapolis (Fox 59, Aug. 15, 2026).

Flooding also hit Noblesville (WISH-TV, Aug. 15, 2026), and a library was devastated by the flood (CNN, Aug. 15, 2026).

Trump approves presidential emergency declaration for Indiana

President Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana after severe storms, mobilizing FEMA resources. (CBS News, IndyStar, Aug. 16, 2026) The approval came after a Saturday call with Gov. Mike Braun (WSBT, Aug. 15, 2026), and Braun said the declaration unlocks up to $5 million in storm and flood aid (WPTA/21Alive, Aug. 15, 2026). Indiana sought federal aid as the Midwest braced for more heavy flooding (NPR, Aug. 15, 2026).

Northwest Indiana power outages visible from space

Power outages in northwest Indiana were so extensive they were visible from space. (NBC 5 Chicago, Aug. 15, 2026) NIPSCO resumed power restoration efforts after a worker’s vehicle was hit by gunfire in Gary, Indiana (CBS News, Aug. 15, 2026).

University of Indianapolis sues IU Indianapolis over “IU Indy” branding

The University of Indianapolis sued IU Indianapolis over the “IU Indy” nickname and branding. (Mirror Indy, Inside Higher Ed, Aug. 12-13, 2026)

Father of six killed at Burns Harbor steel plant

Jonathan Stepp, a 28-year-old father of six, was killed while working at the Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor steel plant in northwest Indiana, according to the union. (ABC7 Chicago, Aug. 15-16, 2026)

For more on the Hoosier State, see the Indiana guide.