A new flood warning has been issued for Pottawattamie County as heavy rain to the north is expected to push the river into flood stage. Officials say the Missouri River could rise 5 feet.
Pottawattamie County Emergency Management reports there could be low lying flooding this weekend. That includes parts of I-29 and I-680.
The National Weather Service reports that rainfall in the first two weeks of September brought between 200% and 600% of normal rainfall over the entire Missouri River Basin.
In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning the following changes to the releases at Gavins Point Dam. “The Missouri River Basin Water Management Division continues to monitor the conditions on the ground and we will make adjustments as necessary,” John Remus, chief of the Corps’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.
Saturday morning, September 14th, releases from the Gavins Point Dam will be reduced by 5,000 cubic feet per second. Releases will be reduced an additional 5,000 cubic feet per second on Sunday morning, September 15th. Current models suggest lowering releases from Gavins Point Dam may lower the peak flood stage forecast on the Missouri River between Sioux City, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.
“We are reducing releases from Gavins Point Dam to try to reduce the chances of flood water reaching Interstate 29 north of Omaha,” said Remus.
Releases at 60,000 cfs from Gavins Point Dam will last no longer than three days.
Residents that live along the Missouri River north of Council Bluffs and west of I-29 should monitor the situation carefully. The Missouri River isn't expected to crest until Saturday, September 21st but officials say those living near damaged levees should take extra precautions and be proactive to protect their property.
Authorities say people should prepare to evacuate if those conditions arise.