The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office asked all residents along the Platte and Missouri rivers to evacuate due to rapidly rising river levels. Sheriff's deputies, Bellevue Police officers and Bellevue firefighters went door-to-door in a number of neighborhoods to alert residents.
Evacuees should plan to be out of their homes until at least Sunday, though if conditions improve, they may be allowed back in sooner than that.
Approximately 2,600 people live in the evacuation area.
As flooding continues, the Sheriff's Office will restrict access to a number of areas, including these neighborhoods/communities:
• Beacon View
• Lanoma Beach
• Thomas Riverside Acres
• Sands Trailer Court
• Villa Springs
• Hawaiian Village
• La Platte
• Chris Lake
• Hanson Lakes - all of the lakes
The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office deputies performed a number of water rescues and helped people evacuate throughout the day.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Floodwaters are blocking a number across the county. Do not walk or drive around barricades and do not walk or drive through water. Turn around, don’t drown! If you see a road covered with standing or running water, call the Sarpy County Emergency Communications Center’s non-emergency number at 402-593-4111. If you are in an emergency, call 911.
The Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline is available 24 hours per day for motorists in need of assistance. Drivers can reach NSP by dialing *55 from any cellphone or 911 in an emergency.
RESOURCES FOR EVACUEES
An evacuee reception center opened at 1 p.m. at Lifegate Church, 749 Pinnacle Drive in Papillion. This is a place to gather, rest while you make arrangements, charge your phones, etc. Salvation Army volunteers will be on hand to offer support and help locating services. It will be open until 8 p.m. Do not take donations to this center.
· Evacuees can call 211, a resource directory. An operator will assist people in finding resources and services.
· If you would like to make a donation of goods to help those affected by the flood, you can take those to any Salvation Army donation centers.
ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK
The Nebraska Humane Society will keep pets if you evacuate to a location that does not allow animals. If you have concerns about large animals or livestock, contact the Humane Society at 402-444-7800.
MISSOURI RIVER
Increased releases from the Gavins Point Damn are affecting flooding levels along the Missouri River.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION
On Wednesday, Sarpy County Board of Commissioners chair Don Kelly declared a state of emergency for Sarpy County.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sarpy County Emergency Management is coordinating with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and other Sarpy County law enforcement and emergency response agencies in the Sarpy County Emergency Operations Center. Sarpy EMA is monitoring conditions across the county.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has opened the State Emergency Operations Center in response to rapidly evolving weather-related hazardous conditions impacting the majority of the state.