Indiana is prone to flooding because cold northern air masses and warm, humid Gulf Coast air often clash over the state. In the winter and early spring, this can produce long rain events and flooding. In the summer, severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains and flash flooding.
The following is a summary of some of Indiana's biggest floods:
August 1875 - Widespread flooding in what's deemed Indiana's worst 19th century flood.
March 1913 - Widespread flood damage in dozens of cities, including Indianapolis, in what's considered the "landmark" flood for most major rivers in Indiana.
January 1937 - The biggest flood to ever strike the Ohio River inundated cities and towns throughout southern Indiana, both on the Ohio River and its tributaries.
March 1982 - Northern Indiana flooding brings national attention to Fort Wayne, where President Reagan helped in sandbagging efforts.
January 1991 - Snow melt and heavy rains cause severe flooding across southern Indiana.
January 2005 - Flooding in central and southern Indiana reach their highest levels in more than 90 years in some locations.