Historic flooding and a look at when the rivers may recede

Nearly all rivers across Michiana are experiencing extreme water rises and flooding. The St. Joseph River, Yellow River, Tippecanoe River, Kankakee River, and Elkhart River are all currently in or will soon be in the Major Flooding category. Many locations along those rivers are expected to crest at historic levels that have never been witnessed. That includes the St. Joseph River in both Niles and South Bend. 

The crest in South Bend is likely to occur around noon on Thursday at or above 13 feet. That is more than two feet above the highest level ever reached in South Bend of 10.9' set back in both 1982 and 1993. 

The St. Joseph River in Niles is also forecast to shatter the previous historic high at that location. The level as of 12 PM Wednesday is 15.95' and that will rise to 16.7' by noon on Thursday. The previous record in Niles was 15.1' set back in 1950.

The St. Joseph River in Elkhart is not expected to achieve record high levels, but major flooding is ongoing and will continue through Sunday evening. The crest in Elkhart will occur Thursday night at 28.1'. That is just shy of the record high crest of 30.0' set back in 1908!

The Yellow River is experiencing extreme rises as well. In Plymouth, the river is expected to reach the historical high of 17.1' by Thursday afternoon. The river has only exceeded 17 feet once before in 1954. When the river reaches levels this high, extensive flooding is seen along the Yellow River in low-lying areas, parks, some streets, and in some businesses. 

As you head from Plymouth to Knox, the Yellow River remains very high. In Knox, it is expected to crest at 13.2' by Friday afternoon, which is considered Major Flood Stage. A record crest is not currently in the forecast, but extensive flooding around the river basin is ongoing and will continue through Friday.

The Elkhart River in Goshen has already exceeded the previous historic level of 11.9'. By early Thursday morning, the river is expected to crest at 13.2'. The State of Emergency for the city is still in effect. The river is not expected to drop to completely safe levels until the middle of next week.

The St. Joseph River at Mottville, the Kankakee River at Davis and the Tippecanoe River at Winamac are all heading for Major Flood Stage as well. The Kankakee River will reach that level Wednesday into Thursday. The St. Joseph River at Mottville and the Tippecanoe River at Winamac are not expected to reach Major Flood Stage until Friday or Saturday.

As the rain that fell Monday and Tuesday continues to filter into area streams, creeks and rivers, most of the rivers are likely going to remain in Major Flood Stage for several days. Here are the expected times:

1. St. Joseph River at Elkhart: Major Flood Stage through Sunday afternoon; Moderate Flood Stage through at least Tuesday afternoon.

2. St. Joseph River at South Bend: Major Flood Stage through Tuesday morning; Moderate Flood Stage through Tuesday night.

3. St. Joseph River at Niles: Major Flood Stage through Sunday morning; Minor to Moderate Flood Stage through the end of next week.

4. Yellow River at Plymouth: Major Flood Stage through Friday afternoon; Clear of all flooding concerns by Monday afternoon.

5. Yellow River at Knox: Major Flood Stage on Friday; Clear of all flooding concerns by next Tuesday. 

6. Elkhart River at Goshen: Major Flood Stage through Friday morning; Clear of all flooding concerns by Tuesday evening.

7. Tippecanoe River at Winamac: Major Flood Stage beginning late Friday morning.

8. Kankakee River at Davis: Major Flood Stage through Friday morning; Minor to Moderate Flood Stage through the middle of next week.