Year in Review 2018: February floods

 

The historic river flooding in February of 2018 was one of the biggest headlines of the year, as well as one of the most disastrous weather events on record for the region.

More than six inches of rain fell in three days at the end of February, falling atop melting snow, causing rivers to rise rapidly, overflow their banks, and fill homes and businesses with water.

Goshen was among the areas to declare a state of emergency and evacuate.

Elkhart’s river area rose over six feet the normal depth.

A Niles computer store flooded, families struggled to recover, and roads and infrastructure suffered.

Federal funds through FEMA allowed cities affected by the damage.

In November, the City of South Bend has asked the Common Council to establish a fund to upgrade the storm sewer system so that it is not overwhelmed next time a storm hits the city.

The Council voted to table the vote and it is currently unknown whether or not a fund will be established.