METAMORA, Ind. — Metamora Volunteer Fire officials called for people in low-lying areas of Metamora, Cedar Grove, and other areas along the Whitewater River to evacuate as the National Weather Service predicted water levels to rise six feet above flood stage early Thursday morning.
Lt. Andrew Roberts said they had spent the day preparing to respond to water rescues on those who refused to heed the warning.
"If people are used to seeing the river coming up to their yard a little bit, you can expect it to go a lot further, even into their houses," he said.
WATCH: We monitor flood levels around the Whitewater River
Simultaniously, the Friends of Franklin County Animal Shelter spent Wednesday evening evacuating the shelter and finding homes for nine puppies, 22 dogs, four kittens and five cats.
Franklin County Deputy Small Animal Control Officer Tereasa Lang said it isn't as simple as moving the animals to a different location. They have had to find foster homes for each of the animals in case they need to stay out of the shelter for days.
"If there's children or any kind of situation, we just want to make sure that the animals that we send out are going to be in the best situation, as well as the families, in the best situation," she said.
The flood stage is expected to peak at 2:00 a.m. at 23 feet and then slowly recede.
More storms, however, are expected in the Tri-State Thursday afternoon and evening.
