SOUTH BEND, Ind--Flash flooding has become a growing concern across Michiana, thanks to dry soil and sudden, isolated downpours. But what actually causes flash flooding?

Flash flooding occurs when heavy rain falls faster than the ground can absorb it. With the water having nowhere to go, it begins to pool in low-lying areas and even runs over onto roadways. Because the water rises so quickly, flash floods often come with little to no warning.

We've seen several recent examples right here in Michiana. During the overnight hours of June 24th, parts of Marshall and eastern Starke Counties recorded nearly 2.5 inches of rain in just a few hours. An even more extreme case happened on June 18th in Granger, where 5 inches of rain fell in a short window—overflowing ditches and overwhelming drains.

Despite these intense storms, South Bend is still running a rainfall deficit for the month. That’s because we’ve lacked steady, soaking rains—getting bursts of brief intense downpours instead of long-lasting relief.

So, while these storms may look dramatic, they’re doing little to ease the drought, but instead creating flooding hazards. Going forward, Michiana is expected more rounds of isolated storms again, so flash flooding could continue to be a risk. 

Stay alert this season, and remember: if you see a flooded roadway, turn around—don’t drown.