Indianapolis weather: Lightning strikes Fishers home, sparks fire

More wet weather is on the way for Indianapolis that could bring heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding in certain areas.

The city of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a warning for potential severe thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon, advising residents to be weather-aware and prepared in case of emergency.

A number of roads were shut down Wednesday evening in Hamilton County due to flooding. Emergency officials are advising drivers to avoid certain areas in Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville. A flash flood warning has been extended until midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Lightning struck a home in Fishers on Wednesday evening, sparking a fire, according to the Fishers Fire Department.

Capt. John Mehling told IndyStar that a family returned home to find smoke and fire coming from their roof. No one was harmed.

Investigators believe a lightning strike started a fire in the attic space.

In Carmel, crews responded to cars trapped in high water, according to the Carmel Fire Department.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected for the rest of the week in central Indiana, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

"Flooding is going to be the primary concern," NWS meteorologist Earl Breon said. "A lot of areas are already in flood waters and saturated already. Any rainwater we get, especially in the southern area, is going to make flooding worse."

Breon said through Thursday there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a lull on Thursday night and Friday morning, and picking back up after 2 p.m. on Friday.

Tornadoes:10 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on Saturday

In Indianapolis, Breon said residents are more likely to see street flooding in low-water areas, and advises drivers to not go into areas with high water. He said high winds and tornadoes are not a concern at this time. 

Temperatures through Friday are highs in the mid to upper 70s to low 80s, and lows in the mid-60s. This weekend there is a 40 to 60 percent chance of precipitation, and the high is expected to reach 85 degrees on Saturday, according to Breon. 

Kellie Hwang is a reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at 317-444-6032 or kellie.hwang@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellieHwang.