Flooding in Areas of Pottawattamie County Expected by Wednesday Night
Posted by: Public Relations
Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Officials from the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency anticipate flooding in areas of the county by mid-week. In response to impending flooding, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation for five counties- including Pottawattamie County.
Currently, the Missouri River level is at 25.8 feet and is expected to crest on Thursday, June 27th around 1:00 a.m. at 35.1 feet. The National Weather Service projects the river will rapidly recede, decreasing to Minor Flood Level by 1:00 a.m., Sunday, June 30th, and back below flood stage on Thursday, July 4th.
Officials are recommending voluntary evacuation of two areas of Pottawattamie County, due to anticipated flooding. Timely and reliable access to these areas for essential emergency services will be significantly delayed and may be completely impassible based on the current forecast.
Evacuation Area 1
- In Northwest Pottawattamie County – Harrison County Line south to the Council Bluffs city limits, and east of the Missouri River to Interstate 29.
Evacuation Area 2
- In Council Bluffs – Emil Lane, Dog Bite Lane, and the east to west spans of Gifford Road between S 19th Street and S 35th Street.
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office will be canvassing Evacuation Area 1, to provide direct information. Automated alerts are being distributed to further assist communication efforts. Direct contact has been made established with property owners within Evacuation Area 2.
Precautionary measures and temporary closures:
- Local law enforcement and Fire Depts are surging staff to support evacuation and rescue operations as may be needed.
- Iowa DNR has closed Wilson Island State Park and the river access boat ramps south of Lake Manawa.
- Pottawattamie County Conservation has closed Narrows River Park.
- City of Council Bluffs has closed Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. The city is also recommending people stay off the levee trail system.
- City of Council Bluffs has closed River’s Edge Service Road and Gifford Road.
- Several road closures are anticipated.
- Closures announced by Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads, found here.
- Closures announced by City of Council Bluffs Public Works, found here.
- Iowa DOT is pre-positioning assets in anticipation of closures to portions of I-29 and I-680 in the coming days.
- City of Council Bluffs flood and drainage gates are closed, and stormwater pumps are operational.
Unlike floods experienced in 2011 and 2019, officials do not currently project standing water to linger in Pottawattamie County for an extended period. This is a rapidly evolving situation; residents are encouraged to use best judgement and stay safe. Don’t drive through standing water. If you feel it’s necessary to evacuate your home, don’t wait until it’s too late.
To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Alert Iowa visit, pcema-ia.org/alert-iowa.
Ongoing flood information and a link for property owners to report storm-related damage can be accessed on the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency website, pcema-ia.org.
To read Governor Reynolds’ proclamation visit, governor.iowa.gov/newsroom.
About Pottawattamie County Emergency Management: Emergency management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters. For more information, visit pcema-ia-org.
