Governor Braun Declares Statewide Disaster Emergency After Derecho, Flooding

Governor Mike Braun declared a Statewide Disaster Emergency on August 13, 2026, in response to a derecho on August 11, flooding, tornadoes, and ongoing severe weather across Indiana. The declaration mobilizes state agencies, unlocks emergency resources, and supports local response and recovery for 30 days.

Eastern Indiana received 10 to 11 inches of rainfall over 48 hours. More than 700,000 utility customers lost power statewide, and at least one fatality was confirmed — a 4-year-old in Jennings County killed when a tree fell on a home. Flash Flood Emergencies, the highest flood alert issued by the National Weather Service, were declared for east-central Indiana counties including Delaware, Henry, Wayne, Fayette, Franklin, and Union. Muncie Dan Eckstein Ridenour said the flooding "exceeded the record floods that happened back in 1913."

Blackford County received a Flash Flood Warning on August 12 at 2:58 PM. The Salamonie River below Warren has an active Flood Warning affecting Blackford, Wabash, Jay, Huntington, and Wells counties. Hartford City's forecast for tonight calls for a 100% chance of thunderstorms with 2 to 3 inches of additional rain expected and localized flooding likely.

The statewide disaster declaration may unlock FEMA and state emergency funds for affected counties. Whether Blackford County specifically requests disaster assistance will depend on local damage assessments.

Source: WIBC, Fox Weather, IndyStar — August 13, 2026