Recent heavy rains and additional expected rainfall is expected to take both the Little Wabash River at Carmi and the Wabash River at Mt. Carmel and New Harmony further outside it’s banks than currently.
The flood stage at Carmi is 27 feet. As of Thursday night, the river is currently 3 feet above that mark and is expected to rise another half foot or more through Monday morning. Currently, flood waters are flowing up McHenry Slough and some areas near Route 1 and 14 within Carmi are flooded.
The flood stage at New Harmony is 15 feet and the river is currently estimated at around 18 feet. The rate is expected to remain rather steady over the weekend though it’s possible it could rise a few more inches. At 19 feet, Harmonie State Park has to close and the bottoms in the area are completely flooded.
In Mt. Carmel, the Wabash level is at just over 23 and a half feet. Flood stage there is just 19 feet. The river there is forecast to rise to near 24 feet and then begin falling Sunday evening. At 24 feet, extensive lowland flooding will be in progress. Some mobile homes have to be moved if possible and the installation of Flood Gate A becomes necessary. Access to local campsites is blocked, but there’s minimal commercial impact thanks to the gate closure. In rural Wabash County, Country Road 1280 East and South Division Street are under water.
