Efforts are underway in area counties to prepare for inevitable flooding that’s expected in association with heavy rain and snowmelt/ice jams. Doug Reed, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Director told KJAN News (at 10-a.m.), that the West Nishnabotna River was officially about one-foot above flood stage as of mid-morning today (Wednesday). He said the river is starting to come the back channels or drainage areas into low-lying areas along the river. Communities potentially impacted by flood waters are preparing, and supplies are being distributed for sandbagging operations. An emergency shelter is being readied in-case it’s needed. He says they’re doing everything the can to help minimize the risk once the crest takes place.

Reed said he could not confirm any sandbagging activities were underway at the AHST-W School, and no roads were underwater as of the last report. Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Londo issued a statement late this morning, with regard to flooding. “Shelby County was placed in a flood warning the morning of March 13th, 2019 until 6:30 PM the same day. Currently we are seeing rising river levels throughout the county. Shelby County Emergency Management is working with local authorities to mitigate the risk. We recommend members of the public to be cautious of low-lying areas and not to drive across flooded roads.”

In Cass County, Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said all roads are currently open, nut that wasn’t the case earlier this morning. He said Quimby Road off of Highway 48 north of Griswold, was closed due to ice being deposited on the roadway from area waterways. The last reading on the East Nishanbotna was 12.8-feet, which was well below the 19-foot flood stage, where minor flooding takes place. However, rain is imminent. That, and the snow melt is worth keeping an eye on, he said.

Preparations are also underway in Montgomery County.