Major Flood Sparks Evacuation Concerns as River Levels Surge to 19 Feet

Residents may need to evacuate near Rockford, Brownstown and Shields Town as the East Fork White River reaches major flood stage.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Evacuations may be necessary in Southern Indiana as the East Fork White River at Seymour is set to reach major flood stage overnight, surging past 19 feet. The National Weather Service warned that at this level, "residents generally leave" and evacuations "may be necessary" near Rockford, Brownstown and Shields Town. Many roads are already flooded, and 70% of the flood plain in Jackson County is underwater.

Why it matters

Flooding at this level can cause extensive inundation of structures and roads, leading to significant evacuations and property damage. The surge of rainfall is causing rivers and streams to rise across the Midwest, with dozens of rivers already in minor or moderate flood stage.

The details

The East Fork White River was originally forecast to crest at 18.9 feet, just below the major flood stage of 19 feet, but updated forecasts show the river surging past that level to 19.3 feet. At 19 feet, the NWS says a major flood is in progress and evacuations may be necessary. Many roads are already flooded, including Lower Rockford Road just south of Reddington Road. Seventy percent of the flood plain in Jackson County is underwater, an agricultural disaster during the growing season.

  • The river is not likely to fall out of major flood stage until late Friday morning.
  • The river will remain in moderate flood stage through the weekend.

The players

East Fork White River

A river in Southern Indiana that is expected to reach major flood stage overnight.

Rockford

A town in Indiana where evacuations may be necessary due to the flooding.

Brownstown

A town in Indiana where evacuations may be necessary due to the flooding.

Shields Town

A collection of river cabins in Indiana where evacuations may be necessary due to the flooding.

Alexander McGinnis

A National Weather Service meteorologist who provided information about the flooding.

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What’s next

The river is not likely to fall out of major flood stage until late Friday morning, and it will remain in moderate flood stage through the weekend.

The takeaway

This major flood event highlights the need for residents in vulnerable areas to closely monitor weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Flooding at this level can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness and disaster response planning in flood-prone communities.