Flooding has started along the Missouri River, Moderate flood stage expected Tuesday
By David Koeller and Jade Steffens
Published: Jun. 23, 2024 at 8:17 AM CDT|Updated: Jun. 25, 2024 at 10:30 PM CDT
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - 10PM Tuesday Update: River levels continue to steadily increase as the day goes on. The rain from the evening storms will not have long-term impacts on river flooding, but may produce temporary localized flash flooding.
Forecast crests have slightly decreased from earlier today. The forecast crest has dropped 0.3 feet for the Missouri River at Omaha and Blair respectively, and has dropped 0.1 feet for the Missouri River at Plattsmouth.
4PM Tuesday Update: River levels continue to increase, as forecast crests along the river remain consistent from predictions made this morning.
The Missouri River is expected to reach moderate flooding in Blair and Plattsmouth as well, with the peak in Blair happening Wednesday evening and Plattsmouth happening Thursday night.
10 AM TUESDAY UPDATE: Levels on the Missouri River continue to rise, though at a bit of a slower rate than previously anticipated. The forecast looks like that pace is just delayed a bit; the highest river levels look to arrive Thursday afternoon in Omaha with moderate flooding taking place.
7AM TUESDAY UPDATE: Several breaches of the levee along the Little Sioux River near the Monona/Woodbury county line has prompted evacuations in the Rodney & Ticonic area. Widespread flooding is likely for many in that valley surrounding the towns. More details here from KTIV.
Look for flood forecast updates later today as these levee breaches could easily impact peak river crest forecasts farther downstream on the Missouri as well. As of this morning, here is where the current level and forecast crest stands in the Omaha area.
10 p.m. MONDAY UPDATE: Flooding is now beginning along the full length of the Missouri River affecting eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, with the river reaching minor flood stage at Blair Monday morning, and should see minor flooding beginning in Omaha/Council Bluffs by Monday afternoon. Minor flooding has also started around Plattsmouth and Nebraska City. Moderate flooding is expected to begin late tonight or on Tuesday as river levels continue to rise. River crest levels at Blair and Omaha are now forecast to be about a half-foot higher than in 2019. However, river levels south of Omaha affecting around around Plattsmouth, Nebraska City, and Brownville will be much lower than in 2019 or in 2011 so the effects should not be as extreme.
Very heavy rainfall over the last couple of weeks across northern Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and northwest Iowa has resulted in a large surge of water moving into the Missouri River. Major to record setting flooding was recorded this weekend for parts of northwest Iowa, resulting in several evacuations and significant damage. All of that water will now have to move down the Missouri River, entering the river around Sioux City.
Minor flooding has started as of Monday morning along the Missouri River near Blair. The river will continue to rise with moderate flooding expected to begin on Tuesday. As of Monday night’s update the river is forecast to crest around 31.8 feet on Wednesday, this is well into moderate flood stage. This is up from the forecast earlier in the afternoon. Impacts include flooding of Wilson Island State Park, and potential impacts to industrial companies along the river near Blair as the river approaches 30 feet. Floodwaters may approach or even close portions of I-29 between Crescent and Loveland.
Minor flooding of the Missouri River near Omaha and Council bluffs is beginning as of Monday afternoon. Moderate flooding is expected to begin on Tuesday. Waters should rise to a crest of just over 35 feet by Thursday, this is moderate flood stage. Significant impacts to riverfront properties are expected, with NP Dodge Park, Freedom Park, Tom Hanafan Park, Fontenelle Forecast, and Haworth Park all expected to experience some level of flooding. Impacts to the I-29 & I-680 interchange near Crescent is possible, with flooding of at least one of the ramps, as well as I-29 north toward Crescent. I-680 between the Mormon Bridge and I-29 will likely close by Tuesday evening. Above 32 feet, floodwater begin to impact portions of Council Bluffs, especially near I-29 around mile marker 59. This is almost 1 foot above 2019 levels in Omaha.
Moderate flooding is forecast for areas around Plattsmouth, with flooding beginning on Tuesday. A forecast crest of 34.8 feet is expected by Thursday. At that level, significant flooding within the levee system is occurring, and any areas not protected by levees can expect flooding. Floodwaters may begin to approach the Plattsmouth Water Treatment Plant, with roads to the plant flooded. Water may also approach portions of Highway 34 and I-29 in the area.
Moderate flooding is forecast for the Missouri River at Nebraska City. Minor flooding will begin Monday night or Tuesday, reaching moderate stage by Thursday or Friday. A crest of 25.3 feet is expected by Thursday. At this level, portions of Nebraska City experience flooding, especially along North First Street. Widespread agricultural and low land flooding is expected. Water may approach but should be just below Highway 2 at this level. As water levels approach 25 feet, preparations for critical infrastructure along the river may be needed.
Moderate flooding is forecast for the Missouri River at Brownville. Minor flooding should begin Monday night or Tuesday, reaching moderate stage by Thursday or Friday. A crest of around 42.7 feet is forecast by Friday. This is just below Major Flood Stage. At this level, significant agricultural and low land flooding is occurring, with power plant access beginning to flood and some minor impacts near Brownville. If the river reaches 43 feet, it will be close to overtopping a federal levee in Missouri which could significantly impact I-29 and Highway 136.
There is still some uncertainly on exactly how much water will be entering the Missouri River from the flooding upstream, so adjustments to the river forecast can be expected. If you have interests along the Missouri River, stay tuned to the forecast as any adjustments could significantly change the the expected impacts.
You can find the latest updates on flood warnings and river levels forecast from the National Weather Service here: https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/oax
Once flooding begins, it can be expected to last for several days, perhaps as long as a week depending on additional rainfall throughout the week. At the moment, the forecast is largely dry through Thursday which means we should not be adding too much additional water to the river system.
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