Wednesday, March 13, 2019 the National Weather Service in Omaha released the latest river flooding forecast. The forecast states the Loup River is expected to experience minor flooding.
Total rainfall is forecasted to be 1.5”-2.0” over the next 48 hours. This rain will combine with snowmelt, saturated/frozen soils and areas of thick ice cover on the Loup River to produce an elevated flood risk.
The City has been preparing for flooding of the Loup River. Coordination has been and continues to be taking place with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Platte County Emergency Management, Nebraska State Patrol, and other stakeholders.
Additional equipment and material is in place. If the Loup River continues to rise the City is prepared to sandbag key locations as well as monitor and prepare in accordance with Local Emergency Operations Plan.
The City has increased the number of large pumps on hand. If necessary, the pumps will be located at the four Loup River outfall drainage basins within Columbus.
The levee has been recently upgraded and it is expected to maintain its structural integrity. Observation of the levee will be continuous during this event. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the levee please do not drive on the levee, disturb the soil or place any foreign material or structure on the levee or near the toe drain system.
Many have and will continue to experience localized standing water. This is due to the mostly frozen ground in combination with the snow, ice melt and rainfall. Property owners should be monitoring their drainage systems around foundations to ensure proper flow away from structures.