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Sandbags are ready, Pike Lake continues to rise, and residents are keeping their fingers crossed as lack of rain today may make a difference in the race against flooding.
As of this morning, Pike Lake was within 2 to 3 inches of the critical stage, said Lacy Francis, Warsaw's assistant superintendent of public works.
Water level in the lake has been rising about one-fourth inch per hour, Francis said. "But there's no way of knowing when it's going to crest for sure."
Francis' department worked all night filling sandbags so Warsaw residents needing help would have it available.
He said Winona Lake early this morning had appeared to stabilize, then later started rising again slowly.
Matt Winger, road supervisor for Kosciusko County's highway department, said many county roads are still flooded.
"There are so many we haven't compiled a list yet," he said.
"It looks a little better today than yesterday, and if we continue to go without rain, it might help," he said.
Because the department doesn't have enough "high water" signs for all the flooded roads, Winger said drivers should still use extreme caution when they see water on a road.
Winger said gravel roads especially can be dangerous in this kind of situation because they turn to mud.
"If you have a chance to bypass a gravel road, take it," he said.
Weather forecasts call for flurries today, with colder temperatures this weekend. Little or no precipitation is expected until Monday, when light snow is predicted.
Colder temperatures could bring additional problems, Winger said, when standing water on roads freezes.
