News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Flood Update 5:50 p.m.
(June 20, 2015) – The water level on the St. Marys River in Fort Wayne is down more than 6 inches from where it crested at 19.83′ yesterday afternoon.
Streets that remain closed include:
- Tillman Road – From Lower Huntington to Calhoun Street
- Fairfield Avenue – From Southfair Court to Lower Huntington
- North River Road – From Maysville Road to Landin Road
- Winchester Road – From Shamrock to Airport Expressway
- Berry Street – From Theime Drive to College Street
- Geneva – From Henrietta St to Elyetta St
- Smith Road – Covington Road to Engle Rd
- Freeman Street – Portage Blvd to Covington Rd
- Taylor Street – Freeman Street to Brooklyn Avenue
- Taylor Street @ Fillmore Street
- Covington Road @ Fillmore Street
While river levels are receding, Mayor Henry has asked City staff from Public Works and City Utilities to continue working through the night. Around the clock work shifts began on Tuesday as the heavy rain, that started last week,, created a rapid rise in river levels.
This week more than 50,000 sandbags were used to protect property and enhance flood levees. Nearly 400 volunteers helped with sandbagging efforts. Crews also placed 30 pumps in neighborhoods across the city and temporary clay levees were constructed in four neighborhoods as the St. Marys River hit the second highest level ever – according to the National Weather Service. To put that into perspective the Flood of 1982 saw the St. Marys crest at 19.66.
The highest river level on the St. Marys is 2003 when it hit 21.2.
Sand remains available to residents wanting to protect their property. Bags are provided but residents will need to bring their own shovel. The sand is available at Portage Middle School, 3521 Taylor Street, and at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road.
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