As heavy rains move in and snow melt continues, the potential for river flooding begins. Officials in Pottawattamie County 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.
Pott. County EMA
Doug Reed, Pott. County Director of Emergency Management, says “There are many variables in this scenario that will impact the river levels. 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 worst-case 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.
The business was closed at the time the fire broke out. No injuries are reported. Deputy Huisinga says the rain showers weren’t exactly a benefit. “At this point, it’s probably more of a hindrance than it is helping as the conditions aren’t real nice out here,” Huisinga says. “Looks like we’ll have another rain shower go through and hopefully get a little break in the rain.”
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