(Pottawattamie County) Pottawattamie County officials recommend voluntary evacuation of two areas due to anticipated flooding. Based on the current forecast, timely and reliable access to these areas for essential emergency services will be significantly delayed and may be completely impassible.
The Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency anticipates flooding in county areas by mid-week. In response to impending flooding, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation for five counties- including Pottawattamie County.
Currently, the Missouri River level is 25.8 feet and is expected to crest at 35.1 feet on Thursday, June 27th, around 1:00 a.m. The National Weather Service projects the river will rapidly recede, decreasing to a Minor Flood Level by 1:00 a.m. Sunday, June 30th, and back below flood stage on Thursday, July 4th.
The voluntary evacuation areas include:
Evacuation Area 1
• In Northwest Pottawattamie County – Harrison County Line south to the Council Bluffs city limits and east of the Missouri River to Interstate 29.
Evacuation Area 2
• In Council Bluffs- Emil Lane, Dog Bite Lane, and the east-to-west spans of Gifford Road between S 19th Street and S 35th Street.
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office will be canvassing Evacuation Area 1, to provide direct information. Automated alerts are being distributed to assist communication efforts further. Direct contact has been established with property owners within
Precautionary measures and temporary closures:
• Local law enforcement and Fire Departments are surging staff to support evacuation and rescue operations as needed.
• Iowa DNR has closed Wilson Island State Park and the river access boat ramps south of Lake Manawa.
• Pottawattamie County Conservation has closed Narrows River Park.
• City of Council Bluffs has closed Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. The city is also recommending people stay off the levee trail system.
• the City of Council Bluffs has closed River’s Edge Service Road and Gifford Road.
• Several road closures are anticipated.
*Closures announced by Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads are found here.
* Closures announced by the City of Council Bluffs Public Works are found here.
• The Iowa DOT is pre-positioning assets anticipating closures to portions of I-29 and I-680 in the coming days.
• The City of Council Bluffs flood and drainage gates are closed, and stormwater pumps are operational.
Unlike floods in 2011 and 2019, officials do not currently project standing water to linger in Pottawattamie County for an extended period. This is a rapidly evolving situation; residents are encouraged to use their best judgment and stay safe. Don’t drive through standing water. If you feel evacuating your home is necessary, don’t wait until it’s too late.
To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Alert Iowa visit, pcema-ia.org/alert-iowa.
The Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency website, pcema-ia.org, provides ongoing flood information and a link for property owners to report storm-related damage.
To read Governor Reynolds’ proclamation, visit governor.iowa.gov/newsroom.
