The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department is warning residents of potential historic flooding later this week, urging them to prepare for the possibility that all roads in and out of the area could become impassable for several days.
Using flood predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), local officials believe this could be the highest water event in the Stanley area since 1937. Current models show the Ohio River at Evansville cresting at 48.5 feet — a level that could trigger widespread flooding along both the Ohio and Green rivers.
Assistant Fire Chief Luke Cecil said the community often relies on predictions from Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana, because no single river gauge captures the unique confluence of both rivers near Stanley.
“With the current predictions they have for Evansville, we’re looking at similar levels to the 1964 flood — potentially even higher,” Cecil said. “The last time we saw a 48.5-foot level at Evansville was 1883. That would make this the fourth-highest of all time if it holds.”
The department emphasized that while forecasts can change, residents should not wait to begin preparing.
“This is a slow-rising flood. It’s not like a flash flood where rain comes down hard and fast,” Cecil said. “But once it starts rising, it could trap people in or out of the area.”
According to the release, all routes into and out of Stanley — including Highway 60 from Overstreet westward — could become submerged. Some homes that have never flooded before may see water intrusion, and high water levels may persist for 7 to 10 days.
Cecil said the department is working closely with Daviess County Emergency Management to monitor developments and will release further guidance if evacuations become necessary.
“We’re in the observation stage right now to see if predictions stay the same,” he said. “If we feel evacuations are needed, we will release more information.”
Residents are encouraged to:
- Have an evacuation plan ready
- Stock up on at least two weeks’ worth of essential supplies
- Stay informed through official updates
“Our priority is keeping the community safe and informed,” the department said.For real-time updates, visit the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department’s official Facebook page here and Daviess County Emergency Management’s Facebook page here.
