Indiana Severe Storms & Flooding August 2026
From August 11–17, 2026, a historic severe weather and flooding event impacted communities across Northwest, Central, and East-Central Indiana. The event began August 11 when a powerful derecho crossed northern Indiana, producing widespread 70–100+ mph winds, extensive tree and utility damage, and prolonged power outages. A 99 mph wind gust was recorded at Gary/Chicago International Airport, while damage assessments indicate portions of northern Lake and Porter Counties may have experienced winds of 100–110 mph.
Repeated thunderstorms then produced significant rainfall across Central and East-Central Indiana, with some areas receiving more than a foot of rain. Historic flooding followed along the White River and its tributaries.
The White River reached a record 24.93 feet at Anderson and a record 24.60 feet at Noblesville. At Nora in Indianapolis, the river reached 21.18 feet — its highest level since the historic 1913 flood.
Preliminary statewide assessments have documented approximately 1,740 damaged structures, including:
- 44 destroyed
- 959 with major damage
- 520 with minor damage
- 217 additional structures affected
Hundreds of residents were evacuated, and homes, roads, businesses, utilities, and public infrastructure sustained significant damage.
As response transitions into recovery, physical damage alone does not tell the full story. Some heavily impacted communities have strong volunteer and nonprofit networks, while others face greater vulnerability and fewer recovery resources.
Current recovery planning estimates indicate approximately 300–550 households statewide may require long-term recovery navigation, with 150–300 potentially needing substantial repair coordination, construction assistance, or funding-gap support.
CBS Chicago
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Explore organizations serving in response to this disaster. The map and list show the same filtered response activity, including locations, services, dates, and links to learn more. Services and volunteer opportunities may change, so please contact each organization directly to confirm current availability.
Christ In Action
Christ In Action will be providing volunteer help for residents needing mudout, gutting, tree removal, crawl spaces, debris removal and structure demolition following the flood in Central Indiana. Chaplains and trained individuals will be onsite to provide emotional and spiritual care as well. Volunteers 18+ are needed to meet these needs. See website for support and volunteer details.
Eight Days of Hope
We are humbled to provide meals to those in Lake County as they wait for the power to be restored. Beginning Saturday, August 15, our team will begin serving free, hot meals to the community! Our Rapid Response - Heavy arm will also be responding to serve Lake County, IN, as homes across the area sustained tree and wind damage. Starting cleanup efforts on Saturday, August 15, our heavy equipment operators will clear dangerous debris, remove trees that have been damaged, tarp roofs, pray with families, and more! If you know anyone in this area in need, please share this post so they can receive free meals and words of encouragement as they walk through the coming weeks. Currently, we are not accepting volunteers for these outreaches. As we continue to assess and determine the need, we could potentially open volunteering. Stay up to date on our social media and our website at eightdaysofhope.com. Although volunteering is limited, we still need your support! ((Location shown is not exact as Assessments are Active)) See website for support and volunteer details.
Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is responding to historic flooding in Eastern Indiana. 🚨 Convoy is providing food, water, cleaning supplies and other essential resources to communities impacted by the disaster. Loads of supplies are being delivered to the region, with additional resources and disaster response team members on the way. As Indiana navigates the aftermath, we are working to provide practical help and hope where it’s needed most. See website for support and volunteer details.
Heart & Soul Church
Active church - A serving Church, organizing to provide local support - church leaders are connecting with local community to discover needs and support opportunities. *Welcomes partner support (see Slack channel) - GPC has connected and looking to send resources early week of Aug 17th. See website for support and volunteer details.
God's Pit Crew
Partnering with local church to provide initial resources. As assessments take place, additional information will be updated here. See website for support and volunteer details.
Minuteman Disaster Response
Minuteman Disaster Response is deploying to Lake County, IN with saw teams and heavy equipment to assist survivors affected by the storms. See website for support and volunteer details.
Samaritan's Purse
Mobilized to help these impacted communities in Jesus' Name. Project Description: Volunteers will assist homeowners affected by recent flooding and will help in Jesus' Name with content recovery, debris cleanup, and mudouts. There will be opportunities for overnight and day volunteers. No skills are necessary prior to serving. Volunteers will be led and instructed by experienced team leads. See website for support and volunteer details.
Christ In Action
Assessing storm impacts across various parts of Indiana See website for support and volunteer details.
6 Community Submitted Resources
The following resources were submitted by community members and are not responses by verified Serve Source partner organizations. Always use your own judgment.
Light in the Storm
faith based nonprofit
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Light in the Storm is deployed and actively serving families affected by severe flooding. - Food and lodging are provided. Training is provided. Equipment is provided. - All you need to bring is boots, work clothes, and a willing heart. - If you can give a day, a weekend, or longer — we want you on the team. Sign up at the link in our bio or call (615)-517-8369.
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
Light in the Storm
faith based nonprofit
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Light in the Storm is deployed and actively serving families affected by severe flooding. - Food and lodging are provided. Training is provided. Equipment is provided. - All you need to bring is boots, work clothes, and a willing heart. - If you can give a day, a weekend, or longer — we want you on the team. Sign up at the link in our bio or call (615)-517-8369.
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
Operation BBQ Relief
community nonprofit
FREE MEAL DISTRIBUTION TODAY! Two Locations: 📍Walmart: 1555 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375 🕛 LUNCH: Noon (Central Time) until we run out 📍Walmart: 6087 US Highway 6, Portage, IN 46368 🕛 LUNCH: 12:30 p.m. (Central Time) until we run out
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
Operation BBQ Relief
community nonprofit
FREE MEAL DISTRIBUTION TODAY! 2 Locations 📍Walmart: 1555 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375 🕛 LUNCH: Noon (Central Time) until we run out 📍Walmart: 6087 US Highway 6, Portage, IN 46368 🕛 LUNCH: 12:30 p.m. (Central Time) until we run out
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
SERVE Village
community nonprofit
Community resource/coordination center. At SERVE Village, we believe that the strongest communities are built on relationships, trust, and the resources already present within our neighborhoods. As an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) nonprofit, we focus on empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to work together, recognizing and leveraging the strengths that already exist.
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
Matthew 25 Ministries
faith based nonprofit
Free relief and cleanup supplies, Free laundry services
This information was submitted by the community, not by a Serve Source trusted partner organization.
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