Starke County residents advised to evacuate low lying areas

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. – Starke County Emergency Management Officials announced a voluntary evacuation due to weather and a possible flood surge from the Yellow and Kankakee Rivers within the next 24 hours.

Residents in low lying areas near the rivers are advised to take shelter at the Knox High School where established temporary housing is available.

According to EMA Director J. Nier the areas in the City of Knox that could possibly be affected include but are not limited to:

• North side of Washington St from Sellers Ave to US 35
• Sellers Ave North of John St
• Parkview area: Residences West of Portland St
• Ruthie Drive
• Pacific Avenue North of Culver Rd between 200 East and 250 East.

Governor Eric Holcomb included Starke County on his disaster emergency declaration Saturday night, but county officials believe extensive warnings are the only way to get the message to the public.