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Pott. County prepares for Missouri River flooding & evacuations

News

June 24th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) –  Emergency Management and other officials in Pottawattamie County, Monday evening, said they anticipate river flooding to levels equal to or exceeding the 2019 flood event. However, flood waters are not anticipated to linger for an extended period of time. Crest is currently forecast for 35.1′ and is anticipated to recede below flood stage on or about July 4th.

Local, state, and federal partners have communicated and planned response priorities and continue to partner to meet the needs of local governments and the residents that face potential impacts from this event.

If you receive flood damages in the coming days, you are asked to report your damages at the links provided on this website. Please include flood damage and level pictures as part of your submission.

Emergency Protective Actions

Voluntary Evacuations announced for two areas in Pottawattamie County and Council Bluffs. 

  • Area 1 | Northwest Pottawattamie from Harrison County south to Council Bluffs, and east from the Missouri River to I-29.
  • Area 2 | In Council Bluffs – Email Ln, Dog Bite Ln, and the east to west spans of Gifford Rd between S 19th St and S 35th St.

CBPD made contact with residents in Area 2. PCSO will be canvassing Area 1 starting 6/25/2024. Alert Iowa notifications went out to Area 1 residents 6/24/2024.

SEE INFORMATION BELOW FOR MORE EVACUATION INFORMATION

Current Actions

  • Local law enforcement & Fire Departments have arranged staffing plans for any potential need for evacuation or rescue operations in the coming days.
  • Iowa DNR has closed Wilson Island State Park; closed the river access boat ramp south of Lake Manawa.
  • Pottawattamie Co Conservation has closed the Narrows River Park.
  • City of Council Bluffs has closed Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park. The city also advises people to stay off the levee trail system.
  • Council Bluffs flood and drainage gates are closed, and stormwater pumps are operational.
  • Iowa DOT is pre-positioning assets for anticipated closures to I-29 and I-680.