COUNCIL BLUFFS – The rising Missouri River is anticipated to crest near 29.2-feet’ by 1:00 p.m. today (Thursday), prompting local officials to implement preparedness actions. Since Monday, officials with the City of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have implemented actions to monitor, assess, and respond to any conditions or emergencies prompted by any flooding along the Missouri River. The National Weather Service has placed the county under a flood warning along the Missouri River. Minor flooding is anticipated with the forecast crest creeping just above flood stage.

Doug Reed, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Director, said Wednesday “The latest trends have shown a decrease in the expected crest and we’re hopeful that trend will continue, but we are prepared if things should change.” Several agencies from the City of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County are actively engaged and coordinating preparedness efforts as we monitor the event, said Reed. Gifford Road and the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park are closed in the city with the Narrows River Park closed and Goosehaven Loop in rural Pottawattamie County covered in water after surveys were conducted early Wednesday.

City and County crews are continually surveying areas along the river, preparing for additional road closures should they become necessary, and are prepared to take emergency actions should conditions worsen. There has been a significant amount of time dedicated to flood and levee emergency planning and exercising since the 2011 flood event.  Residents should monitor conditions and prepare now should a change in the forecast occur. If you live on or near the river, especially in areas not protected by the federal levee system, remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. If you know your property or access to your property will be impacted, emergency management would always encourage you to error on the side of caution and stay with friends or family for a day or two until the river levels begin to drop.

All residents should sign up for emergency alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network. This will be the primary means of distributing emergency evacuation orders, critical public information, and other important messaged before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. To register and to stay up to date with flooding information, visit the county website at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.