Rainy Weekend Tips for Washington County

After the 728 severe warnings issued across the central U.S. on Wednesday night, you might have had enough of Mother Nature for the week. But she's not ready to leave yet, and as a result Washington County residents are preparing for a weekend soaked in rain. The National Weather Service is forecasting several inches of rainfall between Friday and Sunday, with possible thunderstorms and flash flooding in certain areas.

For those of us familiar with spring in southern Indiana, this isn’t exactly a surprise—but it’s always worth staying ahead of the weather and making the most of a damp weekend.

This is a non-monetized article, provided as a free service to our community. If you would like to support our efforts to provide unbiased news and quality journalism to Washington County, you can do so here:

The Forecast: What to Expect This Weekend

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Blue River at Fredericksburg, expecting water levels to rise above flood stage by midday.

Gusty winds may accompany the storms. The rain is expected to taper off gradually by Monday morning.

Low-lying areas, especially near the Blue River, Brock Creek, and other streams, are most vulnerable to flash flooding.

Flooded driveway in Rush Creek Valley.

Staying Safe in Flood-Prone Areas

Even a little water can create big problems. Here's how to protect yourself and your property when the rain won’t quit:

1. Avoid Flooded Roads and Paths

It only takes six inches of moving water to knock an adult over—and a foot of water can carry away most cars. If you see water covering the road, turn around. It’s not worth the risk.

2. Get Your Home Rain-Ready

• Clear gutters and downspouts before the rain hits or in-between cloudbursts. Clogged drains are one of the top causes of basement flooding.

• Make sure your sump pump is working (if you have one).

• Move valuables off the floor in low-level areas like basements or garages.

  
  

3. Have a Storm Safety Kit Ready

• Flashlights & fresh batteries

• Bottled water & snacks

• Blankets & first-aid supplies

• Phone chargers & a battery pack

• Local emergency contact list

  
  

4. Stay Connected

• Follow local meteorologists like Ben Peine for weather updates.

• Check out our local public forums on Facebook for real-time alerts from your friends and neighbors.

• Visit weather.gov for national radar and warnings.

  
  
  
  

5 Rainy Day Things To Do in Washington County

Just because it’s pouring outside doesn’t mean you’re stuck staring out the window or doomscrolling through social media. There’s plenty to do indoors around here—some cozy, some creative, all 100% rain-approved.

1. Visit the John Hay Center

Take a walk through Washington County’s past at the Stevens Memorial Museum in Salem. From pioneer cabins to Civil War artifacts, it’s a rich, warm dive into our local history. Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 to 5.

2. Check Out a Good Book (or Movie)

The Salem Public Library is a great rainy-day haven. Grab a novel, bring the kids downstairs to look through the children's books, or check out a DVD for a cozy night in. Open 10-6 Monday through Friday and 10-5 Saturday.

3. Hit Up a Local Café or Shop

Sip something warm at locally owned spots like H&R Bakery or The Salem Apothecary. Bring a book, meet a friend, or just enjoy watching the rain out the window. If you're in a shopping mood, the Apothecary is also home to a lovely selection of local artisan-made goods, or you can check out Heaven Sent Gifts, Nana's This N That Shop, Huckster's Hall, or the Merica Flea Market to support local businesses. Be sure to look up their hours online before going out - no reason to get rained on for nothing!

4. Try a New Recipe

Pick up ingredients before the rain really starts and have a baking day. Old family favorites like cobbler or biscuits & gravy are perfect rainy-day comfort food.

5. Board Games & Blanket Forts

Classic? Yes. But when the rain keeps coming, turning your living room into a fort or cracking open Monopoly as a family is a memory-making move.

The bottom line is, rain is a fact of life this time of year in southern Indiana, but with a little prep and creativity, it doesn’t have to wash out your weekend. Stay safe, stay dry, and maybe even enjoy the chance to slow down for a couple of days.

This is a non-monetized article, provided as a free service to our community. If you would like to support our efforts to provide unbiased news and quality journalism to Washington County, you can do so here: