Widespread flooding in northern Indiana could slowly recede

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Continued flooding across northern Indiana has caused widespread road closures and warnings that it could take several days for high waters to recede.

The National Weather Service said Wednesday that between 3 and 7 inches of rain had fallen since early Monday in the area, where flood warnings or watches were in effect until Thursday night. Those warnings included the Kankakee River, the St. Marys and Maumee rivers around Fort Wayne and the St. Joseph River, where a record-high crest in South Bend was expected Thursday.

Officials in Marshall and Benton counties warned motorists to refrain from travel on local roads. Numerous school districts also canceled classes Wednesday.

Crews have used boats to help residents from some low-lying residential areas in the South Bend and Elkhart areas.