Multiple parks, trails and streets closed in Elkhart due to flooding

ELKHART, Ind. -- Rising river levels have closed several areas throughout Elkhart due to flooding.

The city of Elkhart is monitoring forecasts and Mayor Time Neese has met with city departments to plan emergency measures if needed. The mayor says citizens can rest assured that the city is prepared.

The National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service reports river levels in the city are expected to peak at 24.3 feet between Thursday and Friday. The river crested just over 28 feet during the historic flooding of 2018, according to a press release.

A list of closures can be found below. 

Streets closed:

• The Folsom and Arch Streets intersection 

Parks closed:

• Studebaker Park including the park's walking path
• Island Park including the park's fishing pier
• American Park
• Baker Park

Trails closed:

• The Riverwalk

Sandbags can be obtained by any resident outside the gate 24 hours a day and seven days a week at the Elkhart Street Department located at 2421 South 17th Street.

The Elkhart Homeless Coalition says Faith Mission, located at 801 Benham Avenue, is available for those seeking shelter. A warrant check is not required.

As city officials continue to monitor area flooding, updates will be available on the city’s webpage.

Currently, neighborhoods along Middlebury Street, Hudson Street, Aspenwald Avenue and North 5th and 6th Streets are under a flood threat.

Mayor Tim Neese advises residents to take notice of the following safety tips:

• Driving or walking near flooded areas should be avoided. Six inches of moving water has the ability to throw you off your feet, and just one foot of moving water can move a vehicle.
• Residents are asked to report flooded areas to Elkhart City Dispatch at 293-2175 if safe to do so and call 911 if you’re in danger.
• Bridges are unsafe and unstable if they’re over fast-moving floodwaters.
• If floodwaters rise around your vehicle but the water is not moving, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. However, if the water is moving, do not attempt to abandon your vehicle.
• Parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall should be avoided as these areas can quickly flood with little warning.
• Move important indoor items to the highest possible floor to prevent damage.
• TV, local radio and social media should be monitored for emergency instructions and weather updates.  

ABC 57's meteorologists are tracking flooding issues across Michiana.

Several roads and parks in Goshen are also shut down because of flooding.