Flooding in La Porte County and Northwest Indiana
Downpours are getting heavier in the Midwest. Here's how much rain La Porte has taken in one storm, where water rises first, and the one rule that saves lives.
Heavier downpours
Warmer air holds more water vapor, and that extra moisture has to come down somewhere. The Fifth National Climate Assessment found that the amount of rain and snow falling in the heaviest 1% of events rose 45% in the Midwest between 1958 and 2021.
September 2008: 11 inches in four days
From Sept. 12 to 15, 2008, rain fell for days across northern Indiana. The Weather Service's Northern Indiana office collected totals of 11.25 inches 1.6 miles southwest of La Porte, 11.2 inches in La Porte and 9.79 inches 1.3 miles south-southwest of Michigan City, from volunteer observers, cooperative weather stations and spotters.
Where it floods in La Porte County
The Kankakee River forms the county's southern boundary, and Trail Creek runs to Lake Michigan through Michigan City, where it forms the harbor. Low roads, underpasses, ditches and farm fields fill first in long, heavy rains. A flood watch means flooding is possible; a flood warning or flash flood warning means it's happening or about to, so move to higher ground if you're told to.
Turn around, don't drown
Never drive into water over a road. The Weather Service says just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. You can't see whether the road underneath is still there.
Questions
How much rain has La Porte gotten in one storm?
From Sept. 12 to 15, 2008, observers measured 11.25 inches 1.6 miles southwest of La Porte and 11.2 inches in La Porte, according to the Weather Service's Northern Indiana office.
Are heavy rains getting heavier in the Midwest?
Yes. The Fifth National Climate Assessment found the amount falling in the heaviest 1% of rain and snow events rose 45% in the Midwest from 1958 to 2021.
How much water does it take to float a car?
The Weather Service says 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. Turn around, don't drown.
What's the difference between a flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A watch means flooding is possible, so be ready to move. A warning means flooding is happening or about to; get to higher ground and stay out of the water.
Sources: Fifth National Climate Assessment, Chapter 24: Midwest (NOAA archive) · NWS Northern Indiana: Sept. 12-15, 2008 rainfall · LaPorte County, Indiana (Wikipedia) · NWS: Turn Around, Don't Drown