The flash flooding turned streets into rivers, trapped neighbors in their homes and businesses and caused some to take shelter on rooftops.
According to emergency management officials, live power lines were in the floodwaters and 500-gallon liquid propane tanks were floating.
The measurement of rain as of 1 p.m. was 8.38 inches.
"I'm kind of worried about the people that are living down there right now because no one really had any time to prepare for it this morning," resident Preston Martin said. "It only happened within a couple hours."
Rescue crews from multiple counties responded with boats to help reach people.
Sgt. Ryan Houchen, a spokesperson for the Highlander Fire Protection District, said emergency management officials were monitoring the situation after a warning came just after 11 a.m. from the National Weather Service.
They were alerted that "Lanesville had been flooded and they needed assistance from everybody in the area," Houchen said.
Shelbie Steele works at the First Harrison Bank on Highway 62 and told WDRB the bank was filling with water. Steele said three people were stuck in the bank, sitting on desks until first responders arrived in boats. She estimated more than 3 feet of water was rushing down Main Street.
"It's rough," Steele said. "It about knocked me over."
According to Houchen, there had been no reported rescues, no one had been pulled from their homes and no one had been found in distress.
There were reports of people being trapped in the Dollar General, at a local firehouse and at a church. Officials said they were all safe but could not get out because they were surrounded by water.
"Amazement," Houchen said. "I've been through a lot of floods in our area. This is the first time I've witnessed something like this before. It was kind of a shock. This is why, when the National Weather Service puts out warnings, we need to pay attention to them."
Officials asked those affected in the area to make plans in case they need to stay somewhere else for a day or two, depending on the impact of additional rain.
"A lot of people have already been evacuated so it's definitely scary thinking about what's going to happen to their homes and everything," resident Emily Carpenter said.
The Lanesville High School gym is open for evacuees who need shelter.
In a Facebook post, the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post said troopers were on the ground and in the air over Lanesville, with additional resources ready to respond as needed.
State police remind those in the affected areas to never drive or walk through floodwaters and to turn around, don't drown.
"Just inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle," ISP said. "If you come to a flood ed or barricaded roadway, find another route."
Police went house to house ensuring everyone was safe after the water receded.
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