Updated Aug. 13, 2026, at 10:16 a.m.

Historic flooding has inundated parts of Wayne County on Aug. 12 after up to 10 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, prompting widespread water rescues, evacuations, road closures, school cancellations and a local disaster emergency declaration. Officials have prohibited non-emergency travel under a Level III Travel Warning through noon Thursday as emergency crews continue rescue operations, residents in Cambridge City and surrounding communities face flooding, power outages and boil advisories, and forecasters warn additional rainfall could worsen already dangerous conditions.

The Western Wayne News is providing ongoing coverage below of developments and announcements related to these events. Please check back to this article for the latest. We’re making this article available to all readers, but please consider subscribing to support our work.

Thursday closings and delay announcements

Schools and Youth

Ivy Tech Community College will be operating virtually Thursday, Aug. 13. Campus buildings will be closed.

Nettle Creek Schools will utilize an eLearning Day (asynchronous) on Thursday. Assignments will be posted on Google Classroom by 9 a.m. for grades four through 12 and will be due Aug. 20. Contact teachers via school email or Parent Square with questions. Packets will be sent home with preschoolers through third graders when school resumes.
Families who’ve lost clothing shoes, hygiene items, etc. in flooding are asked to email eschaeffer@nettlecreek.k12.in.us to request connection with community resources.

Richmond Community Schools and Head Start will be closed Thursday. There will be no e-learning or Canvas assignments for students; staff are not to report to work because of the Level 3 travel warning.

Richmond Friends School is closed Thursday.

Western Wayne Schools will be closed Thursday.

Centerville-Abington Community Schools will be closed Thursday. It will be made up at a later date.

Northeastern Wayne School Corp. will conduct an asynchronous eLearning Day on Thursday. Assignments and/or back-to-school information will be sent home when students return. Asynchronous days don’t have to be made up.  The calendar will be adjusted for the unexpected start of the school year.

Earlham College will be closed on Thursday. Only essential employees should report to campus. Employees should not travel to campus unless they have been identified as essential personnel.

All Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County units will be closed Thursday.

Richmond Family YMCA’s Stidham Daycare (Richmond) will open at noon. Cambridge City Daycare will be closed.

The Excel Center in Richmond is closed Thursday.

Seton Catholic Schools is on an asynchronous (eLearning) day Thursday.

Other Closings and Delays

Cambridge City’s town hall will be closed Thursday. Those who have an emergency should call 911; those who have a non-emergent need to speak with water utility crews or the police department should call 765-478-1231. Town officials say they’ll provide more information once flooding recedes and the building can be assessed.
“Our continued thoughts & prayers are with our Town of Cambridge City, Indiana,” the town’s post said. “We truly appreciate our first responders who are still working to keep the community safe.”

Cambridge City Public Library is closed Thursday.

Animal Care Alliance has canceled all appointments for Thursday. Each person will be contacted directly with replacement schedules when finalized.

Wayne County Health Department will reopen at noon Thursday.

Morrisson-Reeves Library will be closed all day Thursday.

Reid Health is updating a list of office closings and delays in a Facebook post.

IU East has postponed its high school open house ceremony and cookout to Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Lumpy’s Cafe in Cambridge City will be closed until damage can be assessed.

Richmond Sanitary District has announced all trash and recycling collection will be moved from Thursday, Aug. 13, to Monday, Aug. 17, and New Paris Pike landfill will be closed all day Thursday. Residents should have their containers out by 6 a.m. for collection on the designated day.

Richmond Family YMCA will open at noon Thursday.

Centerville Public Library will stay closed until the travel restriction is lifted.

Elstro Auto in Richmond will be closed until 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Phones are still down; text scheduling needs or questions to 765-488-1011.

All First Bank Midwest branches will be closed Thursday.

Abilities Indiana’s Richmond and Muncie locations are closed Thursday.

Jones Family Farm in Milton is closed Thursday.

Whitewater Eye Centers’ Richmond, Connersville, and Greensburg locations will open noon Thursday. Patients who have appointments scheduled prior to the delayed opening will be contacted directly to reschedule.

Richmond Municipal Building will reopen at noon Thursday.

Richmond Civic Theatre’s business office and in-person box office will be closed Thursday. Voicemails can be left at 765-962-1816 for return calls. RCT will share an update regarding tonight’s performance later today, once they’ve had time to assess conditions.

Dougherty Orchards in Cambridge City is closed Thursday.

Richmond Indiana Pickleball’s Thursday morning league is rescheduled for next Thursday.

Richmond Art Museum will be open from 1-5 p.m. Thursday.

LifeStream cafes are closed at senior centers in Cambridge City, Centerville, Nettle Creek and New Castle. Richmond’s cafe will open late and delays are expected for home meal deliveries.

Rock Solid Ministries in Richmond is closed Thursday.

No. 9 Grill in Cambridge City is closed Thursday.

Western Wayne News’ Cambridge City office will be closed indefinitely due to flooding damage. Our team is safe and our phone and email systems still work fine, but we may be delayed in responding to messages. We will continue to report on what’s happening across Wayne County. The Aug. 12 print edition is delayed but is on its way.

Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville’s operations have been suspended until further notice.

Richmond Senior Recreation Center plans to open at noon Thursday.

Weekend events rescheduled/canceled

The car show planned Saturday, Aug. 15, at Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond is being rescheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Winchester Speedway has canceled its Aug. 14-15 Monster Truck Throwdown.

Thursday, Aug. 13, updates

9:32 a.m. – Wayne County Emergency Management Agency update

While floodwaters are beginning to recede in some areas, significant hazards remain, and additional rainfall (up to 2 inches) is expected today and/or into Friday morning.

Emergency responders conducted 12 water rescues overnight. Residents are reminded to stay away from flooded areas and never drive through standing or moving water.

As floodwaters recede, emergency officials will enter impacted areas to assess damage and determine when it is safe for residents to return.

Duke Energy has shut off electrical service in some flooded areas for safety, and natural gas service has also been shut off in impacted areas. Residents should not enter damaged or flooded structures until officials determine conditions are safe.

Wayne County EMA is working with Indiana Department of Homeland Security to begin damage assessments. Additional information will be provided to residents and business owners regarding how to report flood-related damage. Follow the Wayne County EMA Facebook page for updates related to damage assessment and recovery.

Wayne County Highway Superintendent Mike Sharp and Wayne County Highway Department crews will be assessing county roads for flood damage.

Of particular concern are culverts and areas beneath roadways that might have washed out during the flooding. A road can appear safe from the surface while being structurally compromised underneath and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

Standing floodwater is not safe for swimming or playing. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, debris, sharp objects or other contaminants and hazards. Keep children and pets away from all standing or moving floodwater.

9:26 a.m. — Fountain City utilities

Fountain City’s clerk asks residents having septic issues from the storms to text their name and address to 765-542-6601. 

9:18 a.m. — Waterfall Road information

Richmond officials ask residents to steer clear of Waterfall Road near Springwood Park because of excessive flooding and significant amounts of running water and debris.

8:55 a.m. — Red Cross contact information

In addition to the American Red Cross shelter at Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N. in Richmond, Henry Township Trustee and Community Center is operating a shelter at 201 S. 21st St in New Castle. Those who’ve been affected by the storms and need assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

8:50 a.m. — Hagerstown road closures

Hagerstown Police Department says Main Street/Indiana 38 is closed to all traffic, east and westbound, on the west side of town. Drivers can’t enter or leave town on Indiana 38 on the west side of town. Only local traffic is being allowed into town on Indiana 1 and Indiana 38.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, updates

10:49 p.m. – Flood warning extended

Wayne County EMA announced the flood warning will continue until 1 p.m. Thursday.

10:26 p.m. — Hagerstown power update

Hagerstown Police Department says there’s no estimate when power can be restored because the outage is on the Duke Energy side and isn’t part of town utilities. Duke’s substation on South Street is under water, which caused the outage.

10 p.m. — Flood warning and watch extended

Wayne County Emergency Management announced the flood warning will continue until 12:30 a.m. Thursday and the flood watch will continue until 11 a.m. Friday.

9:05 p.m. — Westbound Interstate 70 closure

Indiana Department of Transportation announced all lanes of I-70 westbound near Centerville Road (mile marker 146) are closed because the road has been washed away.

Traffic is being diverted onto U.S. 27. Drivers are to take the detour of U.S. 27, U.S. 36, Indiana 9 and then back onto I-70. Find the latest updates on road closures and conditions from INDOT at 511in.org 

9 p.m. — Wayne County animal rescue form

Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is helping residents who were evacuated and unable to take their animals with them. They have created a form to help evacuate animals and initiate the reunification process. Someone from WCSO will contact those who submit the form with information. WCSO asks for patience and said they might not be able to accommodate all requests because the safety of all involved are the top priority.

8:50 p.m. — Hagerstown road closure

Hagerstown police announced that Turnpike Road toward the park from Indiana 38 will be closed indefinitely as the roadway has washed away from flooding. Several vehicles have driven around signs and barricades resulting in vehicles being stuck in the high water. In their post, police said, “Please understand the signs and road closures are in place because the roadway is not safe!!”

7:47 p.m. — Flash flood warning extended

National Weather Service extended the flash flood warning until 10 p.m. Wednesday.

5:30 p.m. — Drone video shows extent of flooding

4:16 p.m. — Emergency shelter

American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at Wayne County Fairgrounds’ First Bank Kuhlman Center, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond, for individuals and families who need immediate assistance.

4:13 p.m. — Connersville warns of additional flooding

Connersville and Fayette County officials say Whitewater River is expected to rise above its 18-foot flood stage and could reach approximately 23 feet, creating the potential for significant flooding in portions of downtown Connersville, particularly from Veterans Memorial Drive north along West Western Avenue and east toward the Whitewater River.

Residents should also be prepared for flooding in East Connersville neighborhoods near the river and in county areas along both sides of the southern portion of the river, especially Nulltown, Alpine, Robinson’s Whitewater Campground and homes near Ott Road.

Floodwaters could also extend farther north and affect portions of Park Road, neighborhoods north of the CSX railroad tracks, areas potentially extending as far north as 17th Street and county areas near Neuman Lake Road, Shelton’s Plat and Waterloo Road.

Residents in these areas should closely monitor conditions. If their home or business is in an area that could flood, make plans to relocate now and leave before floodwaters approach.

Residents and businesses in flood-prone areas are strongly encouraged to leave while it is still daylight and roads remain passable. Conditions can deteriorate quickly.

For information regarding evacuations, call the emergency hotline at 866-211-9966. Those without a safe place to evacuate can stay at Connersville High School. Use the office entrance.

3:35 p.m. — Part of Indiana Highway 38 washed away

Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that Indiana 38 is closed just west of U.S. 35 in Wayne County. Part of the roadway on Indiana 38 has been washed away.

INDOT crews have blocked off both sides of the road. Drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice. More information on repairs will be available when the water recedes and crews can assess the extent of the damage.

3 p.m. — Travel advisory update

Wayne County emergency management officials have escalated the county’s travel status to a Level III Travel Prohibited Flooding Emergency, declaring a local disaster emergency effective at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The order prohibits non-emergency travel on county-maintained roads, as well as streets maintained by Richmond and Centerville, through noon Thursday, Aug. 13, as widespread flooding continues to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening travel conditions.

12:30 p.m. — Water boil advisories

Cambridge City: At approximately 12:30 p.m. Cambridge City officials announced a water boil advisory is in effect for the town until further notice.

Dublin: Around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Dublin Waterworks announced a water boil advisory for all customers because of flooding. Water should be conserved until further notice. Customers should run water for five minutes, boil all drinking/cooking/teeth brushing water and shut off ice makers. Hot water use for bathing/dishes is safe. Town officials will notify residents once tests are clear and the advisory is lifted.

Noon — Rescue operations

At noon Wednesday, Wayne County Emergency Management Agency announced it continues to coordinate the response to significant and historic flooding impacting portions of western Wayne County, including Cambridge City, Hagerstown and surrounding areas.

EMA said that between 7.3 and 10 inches of rain have fallen across portions of western Wayne County during the past 24 hours, resulting in significant flooding, particularly along Creitz Creek and Symonds Creek. Rapidly rising water has led to multiple water rescues, evacuations, road closures and other emergency response operations.

Reid Health and Reid Health EMS have been supporting response efforts and have requested additional assistance from American Red Cross, EMA said.

Water rescue operations are being conducted with assistance from Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue Team and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. Lynn Fire Department sent two members with an inflatable boat to help Cambridge City with active rescues. Other LFD members are on standby at their station with a second boat in case any emergencies happen in their Randolph County area.

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is also assisting with road closures and transportation-related impacts throughout the affected area.

As of the noon release, Wayne County EMA reported no known injuries and no fatalities associated with the flooding.

According to Alan Moore, chief deputy for Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, plans are in progress to help Cambridge City residents evacuate and receive services, possibly in a Centerville location. The mobile command post is moving. Water is hitting the supports of the bridge at Vandalia Avenue, so concerns have arisen about its safety. Electricity is out in most of Cambridge City and there are no routes to get in or out of downtown safely. When looking at the current weather radar as of 12:30 p.m., officials expect flooding to get worse instead of better in the short term.

Cambridge City town officials announced the community is experiencing “a catastrophic flooding situation.” They said residents must prepare for the possibility of losing utilities (electric, sewer, water) for a number of days.  Until floodwaters recede and the city has assessed the situation, officials will not know the extent of the damage. They urge residents to please be safe and not to take any unnecessary chances. Residents should call the nonemergency number at 765-478-1231 if they need the police or 911 if it’s an emergency.

Western Wayne Elementary School, 801 E. Delaware St. in Cambridge City, opened Wednesday morning as a temporary shelter for those who have to evacuate. Residents are asked to contact emergency personnel if they can’t get out to request transportation to the shelter. Parking lots are also open at WWES for those needing to temporarily park a vehicle.

Fowler Farm at 2311 Airport Road in Centerville has a few stalls available for those who need a safe place for livestock from the floods. They are offering a truck and trailer to assist those who need help getting animals out.  More information is available at 989-274-7827.

Morning Updates

The National Weather Service extended a Flash Flood Warning until 7:15 p.m. for Wayne, Union and southeastern Fayette counties after thunderstorms initially dropped 3.5 to 5.5 inches of rain in parts of the area, with another 1 to 3 inches possible. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flash flooding affecting creeks, streams, roads and underpasses, and urged motorists to “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roadways.

Wayne County EMA says it’s working closely with National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, which is providing flood inundation mapping and other technical information to assist emergency officials with operational planning and anticipating areas that could be impacted by rising water.

In its noon statement, EMA said additional rainfall is forecast today and during the coming days across portions of eastern Indiana and western Ohio. That additional rainfall could cause flooding to continue or worsen, particularly in areas where waterways are already elevated and the ground is saturated.

Wayne County commissioners have declared a Level II Flooding Emergency as of 9:30 a.m. for the county as well as Richmond and Centerville until 5 p.m. unless extended. Only essential travel is permitted on county roads for purposes such as travel to and from work or school, necessary medical care, prescription medications, essential food or fuel, safe shelter or by emergency vehicles/personnel. The emergency doesn’t apply to state or federal highways. Violators can be fined up to $150 per Indiana code.

The weather also disrupted school for several local districts. Richmond Community Schools and its Head Start program canceled classes with no e-learning, while Richmond Friends School, Western Wayne Schools and Centerville-Abington Community Schools also closed. Nettle Creek Schools shifted to an asynchronous e-learning day, Northeastern Wayne Schools delayed classes by two hours before later announcing a closure, and Seton Catholic School announced a two-hour delay.

Travel was further affected by a closure of U.S. 40 at Mulberry Street in Cambridge City because of flooding, while an eastbound crash on Interstate 70 west of Centerville closed the right lane of the highway until just after 8 a.m.

According to INDOT East Central, these roads are experiencing high water:

• U.S. 40 in Cambridge City
• State Road 3 in New Castle                                                                
• U.S. 35 between Blountsville and Losantville
• State Road 44 in Glenwood
• State Road 1 south of Farmland
• State Road 67 in Albany
• State Road 121 south of Connersville
• U.S. 27 in Lynn
• State Road 26 east of Hartford
• State Road 1 around State Road 28
• State Road 236 at the Madison/Henry county line

Other delays, closings and cancellations

• Cambridge City Public Library is closed Wednesday. Fines for books due/overdue today will be forgiven.
• Morrisson-Reeves Library’s Richmond location closed at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and its Express book truck stops at Midway Auction Barn and Boston are canceled Wednesday. The main library plans to reopen at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
• Richmond Parks and Recreation has canceled the Food Truck Wednesday and Pop-Up Market
• Hand-in-Hand Adult Day Center of Richmond has closed
• The master gardeners’ program and Blueprint for Health workshop at Richmond Senior Recreation Center have been canceled.
• The Western Wayne Schools board meeting schedule for this evening has been moved to Monday, Aug. 17. The public hearing for the superintendent contract will be moved to 6 p.m., then followed by the regular monthly meeting.
• Fountain City clerk’s office has delayed its opening to an unspecified time.
• National Road Antique Mall in Cambridge City is closed.
• Henry County Emergency Management says the county is moving to travel restriction/warning level, allowing emergency travel only because of numerous flooded streets/roads and highways.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Kirk-Little Post 1108 will be closed all day.
• Hilltop Drive-In in Cambridge City will be closed until at least 4 p.m., when it will reassess road conditions and open if possible.
• Hagerstown Library will be open normal hours but afternoon programming is canceled. The library doesn’t collect late fees.
• Richmond Parks and Recreation urges extreme caution when driving through all Richmond parks. Employees are barricading dangerous areas as they are identified. Be alert for trees or limbs that could come down unexpectedly. Those encountering an unsafe condition in the parks should email parks@richmondindiana.gov or message via social media because the phone system is down.
• Several LifeStream lunch cafes at senior centers are closed, including Western Wayne, Centerville, Nettle Creek, Fayette County and New Castle
• Cope Environmental Center’s Living Building and trails are closed. Residents are advised to stay off all Cope trails until conditions improve.
• All Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County sites are closed Wednesday
• The Excel Center in Richmond is closed Wednesday.
• Reid Health Hospice is closed until noon.
• Reid Health Fitness programming is cancelled beginning at 10:30 a.m. for CancerFit, Fall Prevention, HIIT Boxing, and Rock Steady Boxing
• Reid Health Primary & Specialty Care – Cambridge City closed at noon.
• Girls Inc of Wayne County is closed Wednesday.
• Richmond Art Museum is closed Wednesday.
• Copies of Western Wayne News will be delivered to stores Thursday.
• Dublin Community Club is closed Wednesday, and no skate lessons will be given.
• Ullery’s Ice Cream in Richmond is closed and will determine by 4 p.m. if it will open Wednesday evening.
• Wayne Bank’s Cambridge City and Hagerstown locations are closed Wednesday. The two locations in Richmond are open.
• Centerville Library will remain closed today and its board meeting will be rescheduled.
• Richmond Municipal Building is closing at 3 p.m. and all of Wednesday evening’s meetings in city hall are canceled.
• Nettle Creek School Board’s Aug. 12 meeting has been canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.