INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Heavy rains and flash flooding have stranded drivers and led to road closures in the Indianapolis area.

The Indianapolis Fire Department said firefighters had responded to at least seven water rescues involving motorists Wednesday night as flash flood warnings were in effect in Marion and Hamilton counties. Indianapolis Power & Light Co. said there were nearly 1,000 residents without power at 10 p.m. on the city's east side.

The fire department is advising drivers to reroute travel to avoid dangerous high water areas.

Broad Ripple resident Isaac Hayes tells WTHR-TV his car got stuck because he couldn't see how high the water was through the downpour.