COUNCIL BLUFFS – As heavy rains move in and snow melt continues, the potential for river flooding begins. Officials are preparing for what the National Weather Service has described as a flood event that has historic potential, primarily along the West Nishnabotna River. Levels at the Missouri River are forecast to reach a potential 29 feet in minor flood stage by 7am Saturday morning, similar to events observed last summer. The Nishnabotna is forecast to crest at just over 26 feet in major flood stage by 1am Thursday, topping the 23.5 foot record set in July of 1993.

“There are many variables in this scenario that will impact the river levels,” commented Doug Reed, Director of Emergency Management. “With existing snow pack, frozen ground, and varying ranges of potential rainfall this event could go either way – however, we need to be prepared for the worstcase potential.” In doing so, a Declaration of Disaster Emergency has been authorized for the communities of Avoca, Hancock, Oakland, Carson, Macedonia, Council Bluffs, and unincorporated areas of Pottawattamie County as a preemptive measure should any of the jurisdictions require assistance from mutual aid partners or state agencies based on actual observed conditions.

Currently, county and city agencies are preparing to secure storm sewer systems, roads, and other infrastructure that may be impacted. Urban streets are likely to experience flooding during the heavy rain event and some rural highways and roads near and around the Nishnabotna River could be closed due to floodwaters. Pottawattamie County Conservation is working to relocate the Botna Bend Park buffalo herd to a safer location and moving the elk herd to a higher elevation within the park. Emergency Management has been coordinating additional resource support with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management should they be needed and coordinating preparedness efforts with partners such as MidAmerican Energy and others.

Residents and people with interests along the rivers are advised to begin monitoring river conditions and prepare accordingly. With frozen ground conditions creating higher runoff than normal, river levels have the potential to rise more rapid than in normal high water and flooding events. For more information on flood preparedness, visit the Floods and Flash Floods page at www.beready.iowa.gov.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Harrison-Shelby-Monona

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM CDT
FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has issued a Wind
Advisory, which is in effect from 9 AM Thursday to 1 AM CDT
Friday. The Wind Advisory for this afternoon has been cancelled.

* WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* TIMING...Thursday and Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power
  lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor-Ringgold

...WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT THURSDAY...
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has cancelled the
Dense Fog Advisory. The Wind Advisory remains in effect.

* WINDS...Southeast at 25 to 35 mph gusting to 40 to 45 mph.