A slow release of a snow pack, containing one to over two inches of water, occurred in the days leading to the event which started the process of river rises in many areas. Low pressure tracked from northwest Iowa into northern Lower Michigan, which ushered in a rapid warmup and equally rapid release of any remaining water in the snow-pack. Several rounds of rain occurred between the 19th and 21st of February across the region, fed by record high precipitable water levels (by February standards) in the 1.3 to 1.5 inch range. A swath of four to six inches of rain fell northwest of a Logansport to Kendallville line. All these factors combined to cause extensive flooding on several rivers in the St Joseph, Kankakee and Upper Wabash river basins, with record crests occurring on some rivers. These water levels forced evacuations of homes and closure of businesses and schools, rescues from those driving into flood waters and an overwhelming of water treatment facilities in a few communities. While exact damage figures were not available at the time of entry of the data, preliminary data suggests values into the millions (possibly $10 million or higher).

Flood in STARKE, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 11:52:00 to 25-FEB-18 10:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ORA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Extensive flooding occurred across the county as rivers, creeks, streams and ditches could not keep up with the flood waters.  Water was reported to be so high and fast that many ditches were breaking, allowing the water to spill onto roads and other areas. A levee on the Yellow River west of State Route 39 and south of State Route 8 was breached, causing extensive damage to the levee and increased flooding downstream. Portions of State Routes 8, 39, 10 and 23 as well as countless county roads were closed due to high water. Damage is estimated in excess of 1.2 million dollars.

Flood in MARSHALL, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 14:17:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: TEEGARDEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damage occurred to several roads as a result of the record flooding from the Yellow River and associated drainage basin. Many county roads were closed for a period of time with even State Routes 30, 331 and 6 being impacted by flood waters. Nearly every town in the county suffered damage from the flood waters with Plymouth, Argos and Bremen suffering the most damage.  Evacuations were necessary in some areas with water rescues due to rapid rise in the rivers. Preliminary damage estimates exceed 1.2 million dollars.

Flood in LA PORTE, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 06:50:00 to 25-FEB-18 10:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MICHIGAN CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

High water forced the closures of several roads in LaPorte county, including portions of US 20 and 35 and State Routes 8 and 212. The high water was the result of ditches, creeks, streams and rivers exceeding their capacity, causing extensive flooding that slowly increased over the span of a few days. State Route 8, between US 421 and State Route 39 suffered such severe flooding as a result of flood waters on the Yellow iver that a portion of the road will require complete reconstruction of a portion, causing it to remain closed for several months. See separate entry for damage to a levee in Starke county. Damage in excess of $500,000 was reported to mainly county roads, state highways and the water treatment plant in LaPorte.

Flood in PULASKI, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 14:00:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTEREY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 38.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Extensive river basin flooding occurred across the county with several roads having to be closed at times as the Tippecanoe River went well out of its banks to near record levels. Damage was reported to many roads with some suffering partial washouts as drainage was unable to keep up with the water flow. Preliminary damage estimates were around 38,000 dollars.

Flood in ST. JOSEPH, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 07:42:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH LIBERTY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Extensive flooding occurred across the county as all area waterways exceeded their limited, reaching record levels in some spots. Residents had to be evacuated along many of the rivers with numerous homes and businesses suffering varying degrees of damage. In addition, numerous roads were closed due to high water for several days including portions of US 331, 20 and 6 as well as several state routes. Washouts were reported in some areas. Damage estimates totaled at least 1.1 million dollars.

Flood in ELKHART, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 15:30:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: (EKM)ELKHART MUNI AR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Extensive flooding occurred across the county as all area waterways exceeded their limited, reaching record levels in some spots. Residents had to be evacuated along many of the rivers with numerous homes and businesses suffering varying degrees of damage. In addition, numerous roads were closed due to high water for several days including portions of US 6, State Routes 19 and 106. Damage estimates totaled at least 1.2 million dollars.

Flood in LAGRANGE, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 11:52:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: STONY CREEK STATION
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 54.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damage occurred to several roads in the county due to high water levels on rivers, creeks and streams. Road damage was reported in parts of the county. High water levels on Whitmer and Westler lakes, located near Wolcottville caused damage to several homes and a water treatment plant suffering damage.  Estimates were over 54,000 dollars.

Flood in KOSCIUSKO, INDIANA
From 21-FEB-18 08:45:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NAPPANEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 56.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High water levels and subsequent flooding issues were seen across much of the county as the over 100 lakes and various creeks, streams and rivers struggle dto handle the runoff of flood waters. Several roads were closed or marked for high water. Damage was estimated at around 56,000 dollars.

Flood in WHITE, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 15:44:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: GARWOOD ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 230.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The heavy rainfall in the Tippecanoe River basin forced dam flows in excess of 20,000 CFS. This caused extensive flooding downstream of the dam with some neighborhoods having to have assistance evacuating and some water rescues due to rapid rises. The Diamond Point area near Monticello was impacted by the flood waters. Damage is estimated in excess of 230,000 dollars.

Flood in FULTON, INDIANA
From 20-FEB-18 15:44:00 to 25-FEB-18 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRASS CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Extensive flooding was reported around the Tippecanoe River and its associated basin, with several roads suffering damage from partial to full washouts. Damage has been estimated in excess of 250,000 dollars.