Torrential rain, strong winds, lightning strikes and flash floods hit parts of Indiana and Illinois on Tuesday, 03 April, 2018, closing roads and schools and promoting flood rescues.
Local media reported that several schools and dozens of roads were closed in Johnson and Owen counties, Indiana, after rain fell on ground already saturated by recent snowfall. Emergency services rescued around 10 people from vehicles trapped in flood water.
Around 6 people were evacuated from a motel after flooding in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana.
Indianapolis saw some surface flooding after the city recorded 3.90 inches (99.06 mm) of rain for the day, the highest recorded for an April day. NWS Indianapolis said via Social Media: “This is a new record for April 3rd (previously 1.92″ in 1892) and 1 day rain total within the month of April (previously 3.06 on 4/19/2011).”
Lightning strikes also caused some damage in areas affected by the storm. Meanwhile in southwestern Indiana, Knox County was hit by golf-ball sized hail.
Across the state border in Illinois, local media reported that around a dozen people were evacuated from their homes after flooding along Kickapoo Creek in Mattoon. Roads were also closed in the area.
NWS Lincoln said that it received a report of 6.5 inches (165.1 mm) of rain in Charleston, including 3 inches (76.2 mm) in less than 2 hours. Mattoon / Charleston, Coles County Memorial Airport recorded 4.45 inches (113.03 mm) of rain in 24 hours on 03 April.
Elsewhere in Illinois, a tornado struck southwest Effingham County on 03 April, with peak winds to 110 mph, according to NWS Lincoln.
Social Media
Indianapolis ends with 3.90" of rain for the day. This is a new record for April 3rd (previously 1.92" in 1892) and 1 day rain total within the month of April (previously 3.06 on 4/19/2011). Turn around, don't drown! #inwx
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) April 4, 2018
Water is feet away from a local home in Spencer and this bridge on State Road 46 @WFIUNews @wtiunews pic.twitter.com/N9hPpFt8Gh
— Miranda Fulmore (@mirandafulmore1) April 3, 2018
Severe flooding in Spencer, IN. Woody Burtons car is stuck on Fish Creek Road where water has overflowed onto the street. He is okay. @WFIUNews @wtiunews pic.twitter.com/sfeFWEKEpa
— Miranda Fulmore (@mirandafulmore1) April 3, 2018
Southwest Effingham County Tornado of April 3 has been surveyed. Rated at EF-1 in Effingham County with peak winds to 110 mph. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/bY62EGC1lO
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) April 5, 2018
Josh sent this photo of York Road flooded in Cumberland County. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/iNa6z69CTv
— JC Fultz (@jcfultz) April 3, 2018
10:15 am — Received a report of 6.5" of rain in Charleston, including 3 inches in less than 2 hours. EMA reports IL-316 between Mattoon & Charleston is closed due to high water, with several other roads in both towns flooded. #ILwx
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) April 3, 2018