INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis is making preparations for the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
The National Weather Service Indianapolis says the remnants of the storm could impact Indianapolis between late Tuesday and early Friday. NWS Indianapolis says to expect heavy rain and an isolated severe weather risk.
“With heavy rain in the forecast, we’ll be bringing in additional crews to help keep Indianapolis running as smoothly as possible,” Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget said. “We’re urging residents to stay on top of the forecast and make travel choices accordingly.”
DPW encourages residents to check drainage ditches, driveway pipes, and easements are clear of debris before the storm hits, to help prevent flooding.
DPW is also urging people to be aware of standing water in the roads, especially overnight.
"If that happens in the public right away, may have to have barricades placed, we may have to detour drivers," said Kyle Bloyd with DPW. "Drivers are going to have to make smart choices in the moment, turn around, don't drown."
Citizens Energy Group maintains the stormwater piping and roadside ditches for the city. Property owners are responsible for drainage issues on their property. When heavy rains cause flooding and drainage issues in city streets and sidewalks, notify CEG at 317-924-3311.
Indy DPW also wants to remind people to "turn around, don't drown." Never try to travel through flood waters. Even a few inches of flood water can sweep away a person or vehicle.
Click here for the latest information on stormwater projects in 2024.
In neighborhoods where flooding typically occurs, neighbors have been out cleaning drains and coming up with plans if people are unable to drive through water.
"People are asking if they should be calling out because if we wake up in the morning, and if you have a car you are not getting out," Laura Thayer said.
Near Southern Dunes Golf Course, neighbors experience flooding every time it rains. While they always have a plan, they know cars still get stuck in the intersection.
"It's not worth going through and getting in a situation like that," Frank Thayer said.
Beryl's impact in Texas
Tropical Storm Beryl unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds across the state of Texas on Monday, knocking out power to more than 2 million homes and businesses and flooding streets with fast-rising waters as first responders raced to rescue stranded residents.
Beryl had already cut a deadly path through parts of Mexico and the Caribbean before making a turn and later sweeping ashore as a Category 1 hurricane in Texas early Monday. At least two people were killed. The National Hurricane Center said damaging winds and flash flooding will continue as Beryl continues pushing inland.
More than 2 million homes and businesses in the Houston area were without power, CenterPoint Energy officials said. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is acting governor while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is out of the country, said crews cannot get out to fix power lines until the wind dies down.