...HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED ACROSS THE SOUTHERN NEBRASKA PANHANDLE THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...
A SLOW MOVING STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE FROM COLORADO INTO THE CENTRAL PLAINS TODAY. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE AREA DURING THE DAY TODAY. THESE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE VERY HEAVY RAINFALL.
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR MORRILL COUNTY THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON
ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TODAY. THESE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HEAVY RAINFALL WITH UP TO ANOTHER INCH OF RAIN ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE.
ADDITIONAL RAINFALL ON THE SATURATED GROUND FROM SUNDAYS VERY HEAVY RAINFALL...COULD LEAD TO MORE FLASH FLOODING THROUGH THE DAY TODAY. ADDITIONAL RUNOFF WOULD EXACERBATE RIVER FLOODING AS WELL IN THE PANHANDLE AT MITCHELL...MINATARE AND HENRY AS WELL AS SCOTTSBLUFF AND BRIDGEPORT.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
North Platte River to Rise to Near 9 Feet
The North Platte River at Bridgeport is forecast to rise to 8.93 feet by early Tuesday morning. This would increase the river above the current stage of 8.58 feet, and the record stage of 8.86 feet, which was set just yesterday at 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.
This stage is not expected to last long, with the forecast for the river to drop back to current levels by Wednesday afternoon.
This stage is not expected to last long, with the forecast for the river to drop back to current levels by Wednesday afternoon.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
North Platte River Rises to Record Stages
At 6 p.m. Saturday, the stage at the North Platte River in Bridgeport was 8.76 feet (or approximately 8,970 feet). This is down 0.10 feet from the 6 a.m. and Noon reading of 8.86 feet (or approximately 9,290 feet).
The new forecast issued this evening from the River Forecast Center shows a slow fall to around 8.4 feet by 6 p.m. tomorrow night, and then steady conditions after then. This morning's forecast showed a rise to 9.0 feet by Tuesday. This is a flucuation situation, and residents on the North Platte River should keep aprised of the latest statements and updates.....
The new forecast issued this evening from the River Forecast Center shows a slow fall to around 8.4 feet by 6 p.m. tomorrow night, and then steady conditions after then. This morning's forecast showed a rise to 9.0 feet by Tuesday. This is a flucuation situation, and residents on the North Platte River should keep aprised of the latest statements and updates.....
President Obama Declares Disaster for Morrill, 17 Other Nebraska Counties
President Barack Obama has issued an emergency disaster declaration for 18 Nebraska counties for flooding along the Missouri and Platte rivers.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the declaration Saturday. It was requested Friday by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.
The declaration allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance.
The Missouri River flows along the state's eastern border. The Platte forms from the North Platte and South Platte rivers at the city of North Platte, cutting through central Nebraska and to the southeast. Both rivers are swollen because of spring rains and snowpack. They're expected to remain high into fall.
The counties included in the declaration are Boyd, Burt, Cass, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Garden, Knox, Lincoln, Morrill, Nemaha, Otoe, Richardson, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Thurston and Washington.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the declaration Saturday. It was requested Friday by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.
The declaration allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance.
The Missouri River flows along the state's eastern border. The Platte forms from the North Platte and South Platte rivers at the city of North Platte, cutting through central Nebraska and to the southeast. Both rivers are swollen because of spring rains and snowpack. They're expected to remain high into fall.
The counties included in the declaration are Boyd, Burt, Cass, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Garden, Knox, Lincoln, Morrill, Nemaha, Otoe, Richardson, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Thurston and Washington.
Flash Flood Watch Issued from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday Night
Heavy rainfall expected across the Panhandle Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
A slow moving storm system will move across the Central Rockies Sunday and Monday. the storm is expected to produce widespread moderate to severe thunderstorms across the Panhandle Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. These thunderstorms are expected to also produce very heavy rainfall, in the order of possibly 2 to 3 inches in some areas.
*** Flash Flood WATCH in effect from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night ***
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of western Nebraska, including Morrill County from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.
Moderate to severe thunderstorms are anticipated Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. These thunderstorms are expected to produce very heavy rainfall with several inches of rain accumulations possible.
This amount of rainfall falling on already wet soils from previous heavy rain events the past few days could lead to significant flash flooding Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Runoff will exacerbate river flooding as well in the Panhandle at Mitchell, Minatare and Henry, as well as Scottsbluff and Bridgeport.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be preapred to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
A slow moving storm system will move across the Central Rockies Sunday and Monday. the storm is expected to produce widespread moderate to severe thunderstorms across the Panhandle Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. These thunderstorms are expected to also produce very heavy rainfall, in the order of possibly 2 to 3 inches in some areas.
*** Flash Flood WATCH in effect from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night ***
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of western Nebraska, including Morrill County from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.
Moderate to severe thunderstorms are anticipated Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. These thunderstorms are expected to produce very heavy rainfall with several inches of rain accumulations possible.
This amount of rainfall falling on already wet soils from previous heavy rain events the past few days could lead to significant flash flooding Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Runoff will exacerbate river flooding as well in the Panhandle at Mitchell, Minatare and Henry, as well as Scottsbluff and Bridgeport.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be preapred to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
Potential Significant Severe Weather Outbreak Sunday
Fathers Day could bring a potentially significant severe weather outbreak to the state of Nebraska. This is the Storm Prediction Center's Day 2 Outlook for Sunday (issued around 11:30 this morning):
A significant severe weather event is expected Sunday afternoon and Sunday night.
An upper level trough will transition east from the Inter Mountain West toward the Great Plans on Sunday. In advance of this system, a surface low will deepen over eastern Colorado, lifting a warm front north over the area. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the western Nebraska and push east. Supercells with large hail, damaging winds, and strong tornadoes will be possible from the initial development.
Indications are heavy rain will fall Sunday afternoon through Monday night, with rainfall totals approaching or exceeding 3 inches in some areas. Parts of western Nebraska appear most favored as un upper level low is expected to deepen across southwestern Nebraska and track northeast through north Central Nebraska.
If this heavy rain develops in the North Platte basin, a significant rise would occre on the river and cause flooding or flash flooding concerns.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Weekend Severe Weather Threats
(Storm Prediction Center Day 2 / Saturday Severe Weather Outlook)
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has a SLIGHT risk of severe weather for the Nebraska Panhandle Saturday afternoon and evening. Storms should form relatively quickly in the afternoon, with a hail and wind threat. Deep-layer sheer will be quite favorable for a few supercells.
(Storm Prediction Center Day 3 / Sunday Severe Weather Outlook)
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has a SLIGHT risk of severe weather for the entire state of Nebraska Sunday afternoon and evening. A warm front will move north across the area, triggering thunderstorms. Moist air will lead to strong instability, favoring supercells. Hail and wind damage will be the primary threat, although strong low-level shear may support a tornado or two, especially across western Nebraska.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tornado Wach will likely be issued shortly
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md1194.html
More Severe Thunderstorms Possible Today, Tomorrow
ISOLATED TO SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL OCCUR THIS AFTERNOON. SOME OF THE STORMS COULD BECOME SEVERE AND PRODUCE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS. AN ISOLATED TORNADO IS ALSO POSSIBLE IN EXTREME NORTHERN PORTIONS OF THE NEBRASKA PANHANDLE.
ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS EXISTS FOR MONDAY...WITH A FEW BECOMING SEVERE IN THE AFTERNOON.
ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS EXISTS FOR MONDAY...WITH A FEW BECOMING SEVERE IN THE AFTERNOON.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 11 PM TONIGHT
THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF
NORTHEAST COLORADO
NORTHWEST KANSAS
WESTERN NEBRASKA
SOUTHEAST WYOMING
EFFECTIVE THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 335 PM UNTIL 1100 PM MDT.
HAIL TO 2.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.
REMEMBER...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN AND OCCASIONALLY DO PRODUCE TORNADOES.
DISCUSSION...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO INTENSIFY OVER THE HIGH PLAINS OF NORTHEAST CO AND SOUTHEAST WY...AND SPREAD EASTWARD THROUGH THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING. MODERATE INSTABILITY AND SUFFICIENT VERTICAL SHEAR WILL SUPPORT ORGANIZED AND OCCASIONAL SUPERCELL STORMS CAPABLE OF LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS.
Severe weather watch will likely be issued shortly
A severe weather watch will likely be issued for our area shortly. Large hail and isolated tornadoes will be the main threats for thunderstorms that develop this afternoon.
Update on Today's Severe Weather Threat
A CLUSTER OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON AS AN UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE MOVES THROUGH SOUTHEAST WYOMING. SOME OF THESE STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME SEVERE WITH GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH...ALONG WITH BRIEF HEAVY RAINFALL. THIS ACTIVITY WILL BEGIN MOVING INTO AREAS ALONG THE NEBRASKA AND WYOMING BORDER AFTER 4 PM AND EXIT THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE BY 9 PM. THE STORMS WILL GENERALLY MOVE NORTHEAST AT 30 TO 35 MPH.
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Later Today
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON AS AN UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE MOVES THROUGH SOUTHEAST WYOMING. SOME OF THESE STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME SEVERE WITH GOLF BALL SIZED HAIL AND DAMAGING DOWNBURST WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH...ALONG WITH BRIEF HEAVY RAINFALL. THE GREATEST CONCERN WILL BE FROM NOON THROUGH 9 PM THIS EVENING.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Residents Reminded Not to Pump Water into Sanitary Sewer
BRIDGEPORT – The City of Bridgeport is asking residents using pumps to protect their basements or crawl spaces from flooding to pump those into their yard, alley, or street and not the sanitary sewer system, effective immediately.
“The amount of flow into the sanitary sewer system is exceeding the amount of flow that our system was designed for,” Public Works Director Wayne Kautz (pronounced COWTS) said. “We are asking residents for their immediate help by not pumping their basements or crawl spaces into the sanitary sewer system.”
Bridgeport Municipal Code Section 52.012 prohibits discharges from storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, or subsurface drainage into any sanitary sewer. Fines for violation of the ordinance are $100 for each violation, with each 24-hour period being deemed a separate offense.
“We are expecting high waters for the rest of the summer,” Kautz said. “Having residents help us out now will go a long way into allowing us to continue to operate the sanitary sewer system smoothly through the summer.”
Thursday, June 9, 2011
PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects high flows downstream of Glendo Reservoir
(Click on the link above for a .pdf version of the press release)
Omaha, Neb.—Due to record-setting snowpack conditions in Colorado, the head waters of the North Platte River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, expects high inflows this summer to Glendo Dam and Reservoir, located on the North Platte River about 80 miles southwest of Casper, Wyo. or about 100 miles north of Cheyenne. Glendo Dam is a Bureau of Reclamation project regulated by the Corps when the reservoir level reaches the flood-control zone.
Current snow pack conditions in the upper North Platte River Basin are above previous high runoff years of 1983, 1984 and 2010. Based on Reclamation and Corps forecasts, the Corps expects a total system runoff volume of 2,370,000 acre-feet from April through July 2011.
"The anticipated runoff volume could be substantially altered depending on additional snowfall or rainfall, and we will continue to aggressively monitor snow pack conditions and provide updated forecasts as conditions change, in conjunction with the Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Weather Service," said Col. Robert J. Ruch, Omaha District Commander.
Weekly coordination meetings have been held with representatives from multiple city, county, and state offices as well as federal agencies in Nebraska and Wyoming.
High snowpack conditions are also affecting Lake McConaughy water levels and releases. On May 23, Corps officials, the National Weather Service, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) met with officials from the Nebraska Department of Emergency Services and the city of North Platte to discuss current snowpack conditions and any measures that might be taken to minimize impacts as increasing flows pass through Lake McConaughy. The Corps, in cooperation with the City of North Platte, has placed staff gages within the community at several key locations along the North Platte River and South Platte River to collect river level data to assist in monitoring these river levels.
With less channel capacity along the North Platte River from Glendo Reservoir to North Platte, Nebraska, due to vegetation and siltation, higher river level values will be experienced, though similar flow values from past events can be expected.
The Corps forecasts for the North Platte River are indicated in the table below:
Omaha, Neb.—Due to record-setting snowpack conditions in Colorado, the head waters of the North Platte River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, expects high inflows this summer to Glendo Dam and Reservoir, located on the North Platte River about 80 miles southwest of Casper, Wyo. or about 100 miles north of Cheyenne. Glendo Dam is a Bureau of Reclamation project regulated by the Corps when the reservoir level reaches the flood-control zone.
Current snow pack conditions in the upper North Platte River Basin are above previous high runoff years of 1983, 1984 and 2010. Based on Reclamation and Corps forecasts, the Corps expects a total system runoff volume of 2,370,000 acre-feet from April through July 2011.
"The anticipated runoff volume could be substantially altered depending on additional snowfall or rainfall, and we will continue to aggressively monitor snow pack conditions and provide updated forecasts as conditions change, in conjunction with the Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Weather Service," said Col. Robert J. Ruch, Omaha District Commander.
Weekly coordination meetings have been held with representatives from multiple city, county, and state offices as well as federal agencies in Nebraska and Wyoming.
High snowpack conditions are also affecting Lake McConaughy water levels and releases. On May 23, Corps officials, the National Weather Service, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) met with officials from the Nebraska Department of Emergency Services and the city of North Platte to discuss current snowpack conditions and any measures that might be taken to minimize impacts as increasing flows pass through Lake McConaughy. The Corps, in cooperation with the City of North Platte, has placed staff gages within the community at several key locations along the North Platte River and South Platte River to collect river level data to assist in monitoring these river levels.
With less channel capacity along the North Platte River from Glendo Reservoir to North Platte, Nebraska, due to vegetation and siltation, higher river level values will be experienced, though similar flow values from past events can be expected.
The Corps forecasts for the North Platte River are indicated in the table below:
| Glendo Reservoir Release | Passing Tri-State Diversion | Mitchell, Nebraska | Bridgeport, Nebraska | Lewellen, Nebraska | North Platte, Nebraska | ||||||
| Peak flow | 7,500 cfs | 10,000 - 11,000 cfs (1) | 10,500 - 12,000 cfs (1) | 11,000 - 13,000 cfs (1) | 11,500 - 13,500 cfs (1) | 6,000 - 7,500 cfs (2) | |||||
| Current flow as of June 7 | 6,300 cfs | 7,300 cfs | 7,500 cfs | 7,400 cfs | 7,700 cfs | 5,500 cfs | |||||
| Estimated River Rise (3) | not available | 1-2 feet | 2-3.5 feet | 1-2 feet | 1-2 feet | 0.5-1.5 feet | |||||
| (1) Assumes varying Laramie River flows | |||||||||||
| (2) Peak flow at North Platte, NE with projected operations plan from CNPPID (3) The river rise is based on the stream gage and may be higher or lower due to backwater along the river | |||||||||||
Presentation Slides from Last Night's Public Meeting
The City of Bridgeport has made available the slides from last night's public meeting regarding the flooding potential. Click on the title above, or this link (http://cityofbport.com/uploads/flood_slides.pdf) to view a copy of the slides.
Strong Thunderstorms Possible This Afternoon
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE WITH A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON. THESE THUNDERSTORMS MAY CONTAIN LARGE HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS ALONG WITH VERY HEAVY RAINFALL.
Around 250 Attend Public Meeting; Slides to be Posted Later this Morning
Around 250 people attended last night's public flood preparedness meeting at Prairie Winds Community Center. The slide show presentation from last night's meeting will be posted later this morning for download.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
FEMA JIC (Joint Information Center) Update
NEWS RELEASE
Nebraska JIC Daily Update
*All times are CDT, unless otherwise noted*
(Lincoln, Neb.) – “We are taking the projected flooding in the Missouri and Platte Rivers very seriously,” said Major General Judd Lyons at a news conference Friday, morning. As adjutant general for the Nebraska Military, General Lyons serves as director of Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). “We are taking proactive steps to help the citizens of Nebraska deal with situations brought on by this flooding.”
NEMA is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state, local and federal agencies to develop a number of flood response plans, General Lyons said. Some of the proactive steps being taken include:
Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify and build levees;
Helping local emergency managers to procure sandbags;
Identifying critical infrastructure (bridges, roads, power plants, utilities) that will be affected by the flooding and developing strategies to protect them;
Contacting emergency managers daily in affected counties.
General Lyons said, “Even though you might not be experiencing flooding right now, due to the expected levels of water that are projected to flow through these two rivers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be affected in the weeks and months to come. Any proactive steps you can take now could help you tremendously down the road.
Officials urged citizens of Nebraska to pay particular attention to instructions given to them by state and local emergency management officials.
“Due to the high volumes of water entering the Missouri and Platte Rivers, it will be some time before the waters can recede. You need to prepare to be affected for weeks and months,” said Al Berndt, assistant director of NEMA. “We need the citizens of Nebraska to be proactive and assess their personal situations and take whatever proactive measures they can.”
Both Rivers are rising as we speak,” said Brian Dunnigan, director of the Nebraska Natural Resources District. “The next two or two and a half weeks are critical. If you have experienced flooding in the past along the Missouri or Platte you can expect to experience flooding this year.”
* New Items are in Red*
A collection of flood-related resources and links to information can be found on the NEMA website at www.nema.nebraska.gov
State Response
Nebraska Emergency Management is working with its State partners within the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Nebraska and Iowa are working hand in hand with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure a safe response to the continual flooding threat. The EOC is monitoring both the Platte and Missouri rivers and encourages residents to remain vigilant, stay tuned to local news and follow directions from local and state officials if asked to evacuate the area.
Survey Crews are currently assessing the affected areas along the Platte River to determine what effects the water may have on homes, businesses, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
In conjunction with the state emergency, several counties have declared disasters; Knox, Dakota, Burt, Washington ,Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, and Lincoln counties.
The Coast Guard issued a restriction on recreational boats on the Missouri River along the Nebraska-Iowa border effective at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Flood Hotline
A Nebraska Emergency Management Agency public information phone line, (855) 211-2453 or (855) 211-2454, will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including weekends, until further notice. The hotline has been busy, please use patience when calling.
Weather
For updated weather information weather: www.noaa.gov and www.weather.com
Road Information
US- 30 Closed - North Platte to Maxwell due to water over the road near mile marker 183.
North Platte to North Platte Airport is OPEN – the closure is East of the airport. Authorized Vehicles Only. No through traffic permitted (This is being enforced!) This closure will remain until the North Platte River Subsides.
N-92 Closed - Tryon to Arthur due to water over the road near mile markers 193-194, near Snyder Hill. Travel over a flooded roadway is not advised. Local traffic only. Use alternate route. This closure will remain until water in this watershed area subsides.
For the most current road information visit the Nebraska Department of Roads website at www.511nebraska.gov. Citizens are encouraged to find alternate routes and not attempt to drive over any road that is covered with flood waters. Do not remove road closure barricades. Barricades are in place for your safety.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Joint Information Center – (402) 996-3877 www.nwo.usace.army.mil email: MRJIC@usace.mil
Federal Emergency Management Agency
If you are not sure if you are in flood prone area, check out the FEMA map service center http://msc.fema.gov
Flood insurance claims -- According to a FEMA official, flood insurance is available and policy claims will be covered regardless of how a flood is caused.
Local Health Departments
Every county in Nebraska is served by a local health department. Here’s a link to a listing of health departments and the counties they serve: www.dhhs.ne.gov/puh/oph/lhd.htm Call if you need local health information.
Animal Health
Flood waters displace wild animals as well as humans. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) warns people to be watchful for wild animals. The wildlife may be acting abnormally due to the stress of displacement. As animals interact and compete for the same resources, diseases such as rabies have an increased chance of transmission. DHHS always recommends avoiding direct contact with wild animals; however, under these circumstances they may be in unexpected places and act more aggressively.
Flood waters may also displace reptiles such as snakes and turtles. Information on reptiles indigenous to Nebraska can be found at http://snr.unl.edu/herpneb/
Evacuations
Be safe listen to public officials. Please evacuate to a safer location if told to do so.
Washington/Burt County: Mandatory evacuations have been ordered. Some voluntary
Richardson County: Some Voluntary North of Rulo
Nemaha County: Voluntary leaving low land
Cass County: Lake Waconda 40-110 homes
Sarpy County: Iske and Elbow Bend some voluntarily, 6-12 homes all voluntary leaving
Dixon County: Potential evacuations of large portions of the town of Newcastle and Ponca.
Dakota County: No mandatory evacuations. Some voluntarily and one shelter has been opened
Lincoln County: Some voluntary
Shelters – Red Cross
The Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Ft. Calhoun High School, 1506 Lincoln St., Fort Calhoun. It will be open today at noon and will remain open until further notice. For the most current information check www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RedCross to find the chapter serving your area.
South Sioux City Shelter – has opened at 3625 G St. in the South Sioux City Middle School
Or call 211 (human services helpline) to find out what resources are available; or visit the United Way of Midlands 211 website at http://www.ne211.org an additional number is (402) 444-6666.
Water Testing
Residents outside the Lincoln area can contact the Central District Health Department in Grand Island to test well water for Coliform bacteria in the majority of public and private wells statewide. Call (308) 385-5175 ext 160 for more information.
Homeowners can also order kits from the Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory by calling (402) 471-3935 and request a Colilert test kit ($10) which can test for Coliform and E.coli. Homeowners need to collect the sample and return it to the lab within 30 hours of sample collection. Remember, if your drinking water looks, tastes, or smells odd…test it. Even if water has tested okay, it should be retested later to ensure bacteria hasn’t permeated the well.
Flood Clean-Up Scams
Homeowners and businesses that have experienced flooding are asked to remain vigilant when it comes to hiring services or purchasing goods. For tips on avoiding home repair scams, please visit the Nebraska Better Business Bureau’s website at www.nebraska.bbb.org or the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.ne.gov. If you feel you have been a victim of a clean-up or home improvement scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 727-6432.
Insurance
The Nebraska Department of Insurance has flood insurance claim guides available on its website at www.doi.ne.gov. Insurance-related questions can be directed to the Department’s Consumer Affairs Division Monday-through-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling (877) 564-7323.
Fire Safety
The State Fire Marshal reminds citizens that if your power is out, and you need to use a generator to make sure your generator has been tested /approved and is in proper working order. Try not to overload circuits, and continue to be cautious when there’s a threat of lightning.
Additional Resources
Phone Numbers
Nebraska Flooding Hotline: Toll Free (855) 211-2453 or (855) 211-2452 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nebraska Department of Insurance (877) 564-7323
Iowa Flooding Response (515) 725-3231
South Dakota (605) 773-3132 or toll free at (877) 579-0015
US Army Corps of Engineers – Information Center (402) 996-3877
Web Sites
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency website www.nema.nebraska.gov
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ website has a comprehensive listing of flood resources at. http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/SevereStorms/
Weather: www.noaa.gov and www.weather.com
River Levels: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/
NEMA on Face book: http://www.facebook.com/nema.page
Nebraska Department of Roads www.511nebraska.gov.
County Updates:
Cass County Emergency Management
Voluntary evacuations continue at Lake WaConDa. A public meeting of WaConDa residents is scheduled for Sunday morning. Two pumps arrived Thursday. Engineers are being consulted to determine feasibility of raising the height of the levee. Plattsmouth is sandbagging the water treatment plant and sewer plant and is nearing completion to three feet above the 1993 levels.
Sarpy Emergency Management Haworth Park and Marina is affected and remains closed. City of Bellevue EMA received 5,000 sandbags on Thursday. Gifford Farm is self evacuating to the Sarpy County fairgrounds. Burlington Northern is shutting down the rail line along the Missouri River south through Bellevue and Sarpy County.
Region 22 Emergency Management
The Corps of Engineers projects that within the next six to nine days there will be 12,000 cubic feet per second passing through the Scottsbluff, Gering, Terrytown area. This translates into imminent flooding of the low lying areas because of the river rising two to three feet above its current level.
There is a high potential for evacuation in Terrytown and Gering. Scottsbluff wants its residents to watch for potential surface water flooding of their residences in the Westmoor and Hunt’s Acres areas, and businesses south of the South Beltline Highway.
All communities involved are currently calling special meetings to discuss the river conditions. Maps showing the potential flood areas are available at the City Halls and Libraries for Scottsbluff and Gering, at the Terrytown City Offices, and Region 22 Emergency Management at 1801 Avenue B.
FLOOD RESOURCES PAGE
The City of Bridgeport has launched a Flood Resources Page:
http://www.cityofbport.com/index.php?page_id=c3tn3zxh&description=FLOOD_INFO
http://www.cityofbport.com/index.php?page_id=c3tn3zxh&description=FLOOD_INFO
Noon River Information
STAGE: At Noon Friday, the stage of the North Platte River @ Bridgeport was 8.18 feet, or approximately 6,490 cfs.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVER FORECAST (issued at 11:06 AM): The River is forecast to remain fairly steady for the next 24 hours, with a slow rise to near 8.3 feet (or 6,830 cfs) by Monday.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVER FORECAST (issued at 11:06 AM): The River is forecast to remain fairly steady for the next 24 hours, with a slow rise to near 8.3 feet (or 6,830 cfs) by Monday.
PRESS RELEASE: Public Flood Preparedness Meeting Scheduled
The City of Bridgeport Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with Region 21 Emergency Management, the Morrill County Sheriff’s Office, and Panhandle Public Health District have scheduled a public flooding preparedness meeting for Wednesday, June 8th at 7 p.m. at Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport.
The purpose of the meeting is to get accurate, current information out to residents regarding the possibility of flooding in Bridgeport, update the public on steps that emergency officials are currently taking, and preparedness steps that residents and business owners should take in case of flooding.
Officials are preparing for increased water flows in the North Platte River. Based on conditions known at this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s peak probable flows would raise the river stage to or slightly above flood stage. Officials are monitoring the situation around the clock.
The City, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has inspected and repaired major breaches in the levee system. However, it is impossible to completely predict where water levels will rise first, due to substantial changes in the river channels over the past 40 years.
Barring any torrential rainfall, officials are confident that peak flows would not arrive until late next week at the earliest. Therefore, no emergency measures are anticipated prior to the public meeting.
Due to all of the unknown factors, the City wants residents to be prepared in the event that flooding is imminent and evacuations are ordered. Officials are currently anticipating 24 to 48 hours advance notice before any evacuations would be ordered. Evacuation orders would come through the City’s reverse 911 system (Vital Call), and door to door notifications. All members of the public are encouraged to update their Vital Call contact information by going online to www.cityofbport.com, or stopping in at City Hall.
In preparation for higher water levels, the City will likely begin filling additional sandbags next week. This is precautionary only, and should not be seen as a sign that the flooding is imminent.
The City would like to develop a list of volunteers who are willing to help with sandbagging and other flood protection measures, when needed. Any members of the public who wish to volunteer are asked to stop by City Hall and fill out their release form. These volunteers will be contacted when and if they are needed.
The City is asking all residents to begin to prepare by thinking about where they would go if evacuated, and where they would relocate any animals or pets in an evacuation order. There will be more preparedness information available at the public meeting. Information can be obtained in advance from FEMA’s Ready.gov website.
Additional information and updates are posted on the City’s website at www.cityofbport.com, where a link to the Emergency Management blog can be found.
The purpose of the meeting is to get accurate, current information out to residents regarding the possibility of flooding in Bridgeport, update the public on steps that emergency officials are currently taking, and preparedness steps that residents and business owners should take in case of flooding.
Officials are preparing for increased water flows in the North Platte River. Based on conditions known at this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s peak probable flows would raise the river stage to or slightly above flood stage. Officials are monitoring the situation around the clock.
The City, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has inspected and repaired major breaches in the levee system. However, it is impossible to completely predict where water levels will rise first, due to substantial changes in the river channels over the past 40 years.
Barring any torrential rainfall, officials are confident that peak flows would not arrive until late next week at the earliest. Therefore, no emergency measures are anticipated prior to the public meeting.
Due to all of the unknown factors, the City wants residents to be prepared in the event that flooding is imminent and evacuations are ordered. Officials are currently anticipating 24 to 48 hours advance notice before any evacuations would be ordered. Evacuation orders would come through the City’s reverse 911 system (Vital Call), and door to door notifications. All members of the public are encouraged to update their Vital Call contact information by going online to www.cityofbport.com, or stopping in at City Hall.
In preparation for higher water levels, the City will likely begin filling additional sandbags next week. This is precautionary only, and should not be seen as a sign that the flooding is imminent.
The City would like to develop a list of volunteers who are willing to help with sandbagging and other flood protection measures, when needed. Any members of the public who wish to volunteer are asked to stop by City Hall and fill out their release form. These volunteers will be contacted when and if they are needed.
The City is asking all residents to begin to prepare by thinking about where they would go if evacuated, and where they would relocate any animals or pets in an evacuation order. There will be more preparedness information available at the public meeting. Information can be obtained in advance from FEMA’s Ready.gov website.
Additional information and updates are posted on the City’s website at www.cityofbport.com, where a link to the Emergency Management blog can be found.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
6pm River Update
STAGE: At 6pm Thursday, the stage of the North Platte River @ Bridgeport was 8.15 feet, a change of -0.08 feet in the past 24 hours.
FORECAST (issued by the NWS at 9:40 AM): The River is forecast to rise through the next 24-48 hours, reaching "action stage" of 8.50 feet by Friday afternoon, and to 8.60 feet by late Saturday night.
FORECAST (issued by the NWS at 9:40 AM): The River is forecast to rise through the next 24-48 hours, reaching "action stage" of 8.50 feet by Friday afternoon, and to 8.60 feet by late Saturday night.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Nebraska Emergency Management Flood Information
(Lincoln, Neb.) – Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has opened the state Joint Information Center at the State Emergency Operation Center. State agency Public Information Officers will work together to keep the public informed on the flooding emergency.
A collection of flood-related resources and links to information follows.
Flood Hotline
A Nebraska Emergency Management Agency public information phone line, (855) 211-2453 or (855) 211-2454, will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends, until further notice.
Weather
Road Information
Motorists are reminded to find an alternate route and not attempt to drive over any road that is covered with flood waters. Do not remove road closure barricades. Barricades are in place for your safety.
Call 511 or visit the “Know before you go” website at www.511nebraska.org for up-to-the minute road condition information.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Joint Information Center – 402-996-3877 www.nwo.usace.army.mil
Animal Health
Flood waters displace wild animals as well as humans. Annette Bredthauer, DHHS public health veterinarian, warns people to be watchful for wild animals. “Wildlife may be acting abnormally due to the stress of displacement. As animals interact and compete for the same resources, diseases such as rabies have an increased chance of transmission.” The department always recommends avoiding direct contact with wild animals and under these circumstances they may be in unexpected places and act more aggressively.
Flood waters may also displace reptiles such as snakes and turtles. Information on reptiles indigenous to Nebraska can be found at http://snr.unl.edu/herpneb/
Shelters
Red Cross:
Red Cross chapters throughout the state are working closely with local emergency managers to determine needs and timeframes. Many have shelter sites on standby. As shelters open, the local and state Emergency Operation Centers will be notified as well as local media when possible. Check www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RedCross to find the chapter serving your area.
Call 211 (human services helpline) to find out what resources are available; or visit the United Way of Midlands 211 website at http://www.ne211.org an additional number is (402) 444-6666.
Water Testing
Residents outside the Lincoln area can contact the Central District Health Department in Grand Island to test well water for Coliform bacteria in the majority of public and private wells statewide. Call (308) 385-5175 ext 160 for more information.
Homeowners can also order kits from the State Laboratory by calling (402) 471-3935 and request a Colilert test kit ($10) which can test for Coliform and E.coli. Homeowners need to collect the sample and return it to the lab within 30 hours of sample collection. Remember, if your drinking water looks, tastes, or smells odd…test it. Even if water has tested okay, it should be retested later to insure bacteria hasn’t permeated the well.
Flood Clean-Up Scams
Homeowners and businesses that have experienced flooding are asked to remain vigilant when it comes to hiring services or purchasing goods. For tips on avoiding home repair scams, please visit the Nebraska Better Business Bureau’s website at www.nebraska.bbb.org or the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.ne.gov. If you feel you have been a victim of a clean-up or home improvement scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 727-6432.
Insurance
The Nebraska Department of Insurance has flood insurance claim guides available on its website at www.doi.ne.gov. Insurance-related questions can be directed to the Department’s Consumer Affairs Division Monday-through-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling (877) 564-7323.
USDA Flood Recovery Programs
There are a number of actions under emergency programs for farmers, ranchers and landowners to consider. Find more information on agricultural related flood losses online at the Nebraska Agricultural Department website at www.agr.ne.gov
Fire Safety
The State Fire Marshal reminds citizens that if your power is out, and you need to use a generator to make sure your generator has been tested /approved and is in proper working order. Try not to overload circuits, and continue to be cautious when there’s a threat of lightning.
Additional Resources
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency website www.nema.nebraska.gov
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ website has a comprehensive listing of flood resources at www.dhhs.ne.gov/SevereStorms.
NEMA on Face book: http://www.facebook.com/nema.page
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