There are several roads that are closed this morning, due to water over those roads. Locally, Olive Street in Atlantic, from the City Limits (at KJAN) south to Commerce Street is closed due to flood debris on the road. (Olive Street re-opened at 7:05-a.m.) Glacier Road, just east of the ethanol plant to Olive Street, is closed due to flooding. Highway 48 near Elliott was also closed this morning (as of 9-a.m.)

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency reported the following roads were closed:

• Highway 44 east of Harlan. (Open as of 10:30-a.m.)
• Nishna Ave from 1st St to Oak Road (Harlan)
• 6th St between Chatburn Avenue (Hwy 44) and Walnut Street (Harlan)
• Utility Ave between Chatburn and Industrial (Harlan)
• Exchange between Chatburn and Stow Red-E-Mix. (Open as of 8:30-a.m.)
• F-58 from Maple Road to Highway 59.
• Highway 59 is closed at the Corley Bridge (south of the Harlan Airport).
• Highway 30 from Hwy 44 to Denison: Alternate route – Hwy 44 to Hwy 59 and back north of Hwy 30.
• Hwy 30 is closed at I-29, the Missouri Valley exit to eastbound traffic.

There was a mandatory evacuation of Westridge Trailer Court and the southern homes of Exchange Street in Harlan, yesterday. Two shelters were set up at Community Health (2712 12th St). and the Vets Auditorium (1104 Morning View Drive). People with pets are to go to Community Health. Highway 30 between I-29 (Missouri Valley) and U-S Highway 59 (Denison), is closed in both directions.

In addition, Interstate 680 was closed in both directions from east of Crescent to I-29, and from I-29 west to the Mormon Bridge at the Missouri River at Omaha. Interstate 29 was closed from Missouri Valley to Council Bluffs, also. For the latest road closures and other road information, go to 511ia.org

The Shelby County Sheriff’s office reported at 10:00pm Wednesday that Highway 59 south of Harlan is closed at the Corley Bridge due to water rising and crossing over the roadway. Traffic is being diverted. Please plan an alternate route for travel.

Shelby County EMA has also announced that there has also been a mandatory evacuation of Westridge Trailer Court and the southern homes of Exchange Street in Harlan. A shelter has been set up at 2712 12th St., the Community Health Building.

Local officials have closed North Olive Street on the north edge of Atlantic.  Late Wednesday evening, water that had been rising all day at the Atlantic Little League Complex began running across the road.  Barricades have been put in place to keep motorists from crossing.  The barricades are located just outside the KJAN studios and a few hundred yards to the south.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported about 6:30pm on Wednesday that Highway 71 is closed in both directions in Carroll. The closure is between County Road E37 and US 30 (Carroll). The road is closed because of flooding. A detour is in operation.

Harrison County EMA announced a mandatory evacuation in place in Missouri Valley. Evacuation area is any residence and business in Missouri Valley from 1st Street and Erie west to Interstate 29 and anything south of the railroad tracks

Highway 30 is closed from highway 44 to Denison. The alternative route is Highway 44 to Highway 59 north back to Highway 30.

Do not cross running or standing water over the roadway.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – As heavy rains move in and snow melt continues, the potential for river flooding begins. Officials are preparing for what the National Weather Service has described as a flood event that has historic potential, primarily along the West Nishnabotna River. Levels at the Missouri River are forecast to reach a potential 29 feet in minor flood stage by 7am Saturday morning, similar to events observed last summer. The Nishnabotna is forecast to crest at just over 26 feet in major flood stage by 1am Thursday, topping the 23.5 foot record set in July of 1993.

“There are many variables in this scenario that will impact the river levels,” commented Doug Reed, Director of Emergency Management. “With existing snow pack, frozen ground, and varying ranges of potential rainfall this event could go either way – however, we need to be prepared for the worstcase potential.” In doing so, a Declaration of Disaster Emergency has been authorized for the communities of Avoca, Hancock, Oakland, Carson, Macedonia, Council Bluffs, and unincorporated areas of Pottawattamie County as a preemptive measure should any of the jurisdictions require assistance from mutual aid partners or state agencies based on actual observed conditions.

Currently, county and city agencies are preparing to secure storm sewer systems, roads, and other infrastructure that may be impacted. Urban streets are likely to experience flooding during the heavy rain event and some rural highways and roads near and around the Nishnabotna River could be closed due to floodwaters. Pottawattamie County Conservation is working to relocate the Botna Bend Park buffalo herd to a safer location and moving the elk herd to a higher elevation within the park. Emergency Management has been coordinating additional resource support with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management should they be needed and coordinating preparedness efforts with partners such as MidAmerican Energy and others.

Residents and people with interests along the rivers are advised to begin monitoring river conditions and prepare accordingly. With frozen ground conditions creating higher runoff than normal, river levels have the potential to rise more rapid than in normal high water and flooding events. For more information on flood preparedness, visit the Floods and Flash Floods page at www.beready.iowa.gov.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

At approximately 10:40am on Wednesday March 13th a delivery truck exited the roadway on Highway 6 and entered the south side of the Southwest Iowa Planning Council/Southwest Iowa Transit Agency offices in Atlantic.  No one in the truck or in the offices were injured.  Significant damage was done to 2 offices.  The offices remain open, with reduced staff.  The SWIPCO/SWITA may experience interruptions in internet and telephone services this afternoon and in the next few days.  Customers should continue to contact the offices at 1-800-842-8065 or 712-243-4196.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The American Red Cross, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, and Officials with the City of Avoca have coordinated the opening of shelter for area families and individuals affected by flooding from the West Nishnabotna River in eastern Pottawattamie County.

Officials, preparing for potential historic flood levels along the West Nishnabotna River are prepared to provide emergency sheltering for those whose property may be threatened by river levels that continue to rise. The shelter is located at the Green Hills Area Education Agency at 919 N. Chestnut St, Avoca, Iowa.

Anyone who has been displaced from their home is urged to come to the shelter. Red Cross volunteers are on hand to provide a safe place to stay, a place to sleep, a hot meal and referrals to community services.

Anyone evacuating to a shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family, including:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications • Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements • Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents • Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items • Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

The shelter will remain open as long as necessary. The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials to coordinate relief services.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The City of Underwood, Iowa has shut down their main sewer lift station due to flash flooding in the area. Residents on the city water and sewer system are asked to conserve water and refrain from flushing toilets and dumping anything down drains to the extent practical during the shutdown. City crews and assisting agencies are working to secure the lift station from the encroaching floodwaters and will return the system to service as soon as possible.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, water/sewer system alerts and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

The Iowa Department of Transportation as of 5:30pm have noted a number of closures on roadways due to flooding issues and detours have been put in place.

Iowa Highway 44 on the East end of Harlan is blocked because of flooding between US Highway 59 and County Road M47. Traffic is being routed down to I-80 and back up on M47.

Interstate 680 is closed in both directions between Exit 71 and Exit 21 due to flooding. A detour using I-80 is in place.

US 30 between IA 44 and IA 37 in Woodbine is blocked due to flooding. A detour through Panama and Earling is in place.

Drivers in Cass County are being asked to avoid Highway 48 North of Griswold due to flooding of that roadway.

Delays are also occurring along Highway 6 in Cass and Pottawattamie Counties due to water of the roadway in numerous locations.

Motorists are being asked to avoid rural road travel all across the region if possible and to use extreme caution when traveling in the region. Do not attempt to cross a flooded roadway, standing or running water.

You can check the latest road updates at 511ia.org or by calling 511.