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Cities prepare for minor Missouri River flooding

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June 20th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa and Nebraska cities along the Missouri River are preparing for flooding, but it is not expected to be extensive. At Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, the river is expected to crest Sunday morning at 31.6 feet. That’s above the 29-foot flood stage and should mean flooding of riverside parks in both cities. At Blair, Nebraska, the river should reach nearly 30 feet Saturday night, above the 26.5-foot flood stage.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reducing water releases at Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, from 30,000 cubic feet per second to 12,000 to lower flood risk. The river at Sioux City will remain below flood stage. About 43 miles downstream at Decatur, Nebraska, it is expected to reach flood stage Saturday morning and then fall.