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North side residents keeping an eye on White River levels

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Monday’s storms left some roads under water, but it was the weekend rain that has people in a north side Indianapolis neighborhood keeping an eye on the White River.

Homeowners in the Ravenswood area, which is northwest of 71st Street and Keystone Avenue, aren’t too worried about a potential flood but some still thought it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works dropped off pallets of sandbags for the neighborhood at Riverswood Park in case people were concerned about water flooding into their yards. Dozens of bags appeared to be taken.

The National Weather Service says the water level in the Ravenswood area reached nearly eight feet Monday. Flood stage starts at six feet.

Residents say the current level is thanks to this weekend’s rain – with the water running down from the Muncie/Anderson area.

Late last June, when it seemed it would never stop raining, the river topped out at nine feet.

We talked with a homeowner who said he’s lived along the river for nearly 60 years. He said the water level needs to hit double digits before people really get worried.

“That’s a sign that the river’s getting out of the banks and that’s the time to get the cars out and move out in case it comes up any higher,” said Russell Schull.

Department of Public Works employees who normally are plowing snow this time of year instead filled up sand bags. Some were delivered to neighborhoods like Ravenswood, but most of them are at DPW’s garage at 1725 South West Street.

If people want to pick them up Tuesday, they’ll be available during from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sand bags are only available to Marion County residents.