Southern Indiana is waking up to a serious weather situation this Friday, April 11, as residents brace for a potent mix of severe storms, rising floodwaters, and an unexpected freeze warning all in one day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of urgent alerts for the region, warning that conditions could deteriorate quickly this afternoon. The greatest concern lies across areas bordering the Ohio River, where rising water levels and heavy rainfall are creating a dangerous cocktail of hazards.
In Evansville, the Ohio River is surging and expected to crest at an alarming 48.0 feet by Saturday evening. That’s a full six feet above the official flood stage of 42.0 feet. Residents in low-lying areas are being urged to stay alert, with officials warning that moderate flooding is possible and travel near flood-prone zones should be avoided.
Farther east, New Albany is also under threat. The river there is forecast to hit 33.7 feet this afternoon, well above its flood stage of 23.0 feet. Streets near the riverfront could become impassable, and emergency management officials are preparing sandbags and other flood mitigation efforts.
But the weather threat doesn’t stop there.
Just hours after the storms, overnight temperatures are expected to plummet, prompting a Freeze Warning for Monroe County, including Bloomington. The warning runs from midnight tonight through 9 AM EDT Saturday. Temperatures could drop as low as 27°F, endangering crops, sensitive plants, and even outdoor plumbing.
Local farmers are especially concerned. April freezes are not uncommon, but this late in the season, crops like early vegetables and fruit blossoms could suffer significant damage if not protected.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions now:
– Move vehicles and valuables away from flood-prone areas
– Wrap outdoor pipes and bring plants indoors
– Stay off flooded roads, even if they look passable—“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is the rule
Emergency response teams across the state are on standby. Local shelters are being prepped in case evacuations are needed, especially in areas with a history of flash flooding.
Today’s weather is a stark reminder of just how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in springtime. The combination of flooding rains and a sudden deep freeze is rare but not unheard of in the Midwest, and Indiana appears to be getting the worst of both.
Stay weather-aware, tune into local radio or TV for real-time updates, and take steps now to protect your home and loved ones. Mother Nature is not messing around today.
