Flood Defenses Deployed: Crews Race to Protect Downtown Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) — Local authorities are taking preemptive measures as they prepare for possible flooding in downtown Evansville.

On Wednesday morning, crews were deployed to set up flood barriers and install segments close to the riverside area.

Michael Herke, the superintendent of the Evansville Levee Authority, informs us that they are working diligently to erect the barriers swiftly to ensure readiness for potential floods.

It's crucial because the river can be quite erratic, and considering the incoming rainfall, there might be sudden increases in the water level," he clarifies. "You wouldn't want to lag in shutting down all areas that require closure.

He suggests that this marks only the beginning of the installation process, with plans to complete erecting the walls shortly.

In the meantime, throngs of individuals gathered at the riverside to witness the historical floodwaters.

It’s quite a sight," remarked Mitch Withrow, who has visited the river multiple times throughout the past week. "People snap photos and mostly just stare.

"I genuinely anticipated seeing a significant amount of water, and I certainly saw plenty of water," stated Clay Roth, who was inspecting the water.

On Wednesday evening, the river reached 46.4 feet. It is anticipated to peak on Friday night into Saturday morning at around 48 feet.

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I've never witnessed such high water levels in my lifetime," Roth stated. "I'm hoping it doesn't hit those flood heights as that could signify some severe damage heading our direction.

Roth states that this is historical, and he wants to verify it personally. Meanwhile, individuals such as Withrow have been monitoring the changes in river levels across multiple days to track its evolution.

"They have placed riprap along the ground here, which is likely about two feet beneath its surface. It’s hard to say just how elevated it stands at present," Withrow mentioned.

The Riverfront landmarks are shifting along with the fluctuating water levels. The Dress Plaza is entirely submerged beneath the waves. A log, resembling a tree, has floated over and stopped near the Four Freedoms Monument. Boats navigate through waters that have risen as high as certain treetops.

Tom Rountree wants to observe the impacts on other monuments.

I always enjoy strolling down to check out the marker further ahead," Rountree mentioned, referring to the indicator that marks the peak flood levels in Evansville. "That's my destination. Afterward, I'll head over near the LST to see how elevated it stands.

It’s really incredible," Withrow stated. "An incredibly impressive view seeing all this water.