Saturday, June 11, 2011

Flooding and Rising Waters Along The Missouri River

We have a lot of worried, upset and even angry people in our little section of the country. We are moving some of my MIL's belongings into our home and another family member's home until the threat of flooding is past. My brother and SIL are moving everything out of their homes temporarily as well. Those with mobile homes are moving into them and the campgrounds are loaded to capacity. Storage units are unavailable. A lot of uncertainty and anxiety is in the air. It sounds like this will be going on all summer. My MIL's sump pump has been running steady since last Sunday due to the saturation of water in the ground.


Excessive snow in the mountains may be great for skiing, but the melting snow, rains and other occurrences have been wreaking havoc downstream. Damns are releasing water north of us causing high water levels and flooding along the Missouri River.


Following are some photos. Some towns are expected to be entirely flooded, including Modale, Iowa where my mother was born and raised. The home my great grandfather built and that my mom grew up in is about a mile from the river, so I am sure it is flooded by now. An image of the home is on the blue and white CQ heart pillow I created for mom (shown on my header).




The photo above is on the north edge of Council Bluffs, Iowa with the jail in the background. Officials have been busy moving prisoners out of the building. Just below is Sioux City, Iowa, which is north of us.






Below is in Council Bluffs, just off the bicycle trail along the levy. The water section you see used to be a parking lot. The threat is whether to levy can hold the record level waters for the extended period of time. Hamburg, just south of us has three areas now where the levee has breached. The Corps of Engineers is working frantically to repair the damage. The entire downtown area will be flooded if not controlled.







The photo below is looking across the river from Omaha toward CB. Beyond the tree line is the casino parking lot - all submerged. The levy is on the edge of the parking lot.





Below is the casino in Sioux City I believe.




Interstate 29 is closed both north and south of Council Bluffs.





This is a view of the river from the Lewis and Clark Monument. Eppley Airport is just on the other side of the river. Interstate 29 is to the left in the photo. I don't believe this section has closed yet.










Omaha is in the background of the photo below. In front is an area called Big Lake. It is 3 small areas more like ponds generally with a road running between them. The road seems to be missing.





Another view of Big Lake.











This is a map of the projected flooding. I am far enough from the river that we shouldn't have any problems. Lots of family and friends aren't so fortunate. Please say a prayer that the levy holds and they will all be safe. With all the disasters in other areas of the country and world, ours may seem minor, but not to those living there. It is going to be a long summer for a lot of people.


11 comments:

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

I Pray every day for all the disaster victims everywhere. So Many lives have been changed and So Much to worry about...It's TOO BAD they can't invent a way to transport the snow to the drought areas...
Good Luck to you and your family. My Prayers are with you...
Big Hugs,
Donna

Mosaic Magpie said...

What a scary thing to happen. The unknowing of where the water will stop. I thought about those people in Mississippi and Louisiana where they flooded small towns to protect the larger towns. All so unfair and what a terrible decision to have to make. Praying all goes well and you childhood home is spared.
Deb

Shawkl said...

Oh my! So sorry to see this...but I'm so glad that you are in a position to help. Wish I was there with you cause I can pack some furniture into a small space! If you saw my little apartment, you'd shake your head in awe! Sending hugs, well wishes, and prayers for safety!
Kathy
www.shawkl.com

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

So many disasters, flooding, wild fires in Arizona, earthquake in Japan . . . . we need to count or blessings, be thankful for what we have and help those that need us.

Praying for your family and all those who are hurting.

xxoo

Magpie's Mumblings said...

We haven't heard about this up here (or at least if it's been on the news, it's been quick). How frightening for those who live in the area. I'm glad to hear that you are safe and you can be sure I will include this in my prayers.

Unknown said...

O my good ...I could not believe my eyes when I see this pic of Sioux City, Iowa, with all those houses in water up to the ruff ... I’ll have a pray for people there... you are putting up with so many thinks..

Suztats said...

Hoping the levy holds and everyone remains safe. What a horrid year it's been for bad weather! I shall say a prayer.

Kim said...

I don't think this is a minor disaster- when you lose things that cannot be replaced and things you have worked hard your entire life to achieve it is a disaster. I will be praying for everyone in the affected areas- the pictures make me so sad.

DeeDee said...

I am born and raised In Sioux City IA.. I live in Texas now due to work but my entire family is still up north from Council Bluffs to Ponca Ne... I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and pray.. my daughter tells me this is for the long haul will not resead for some time... please be safe.. and know others are thinking of you.....it is a very scary deal.. that river is never a safe place,...

shirley said...

The floodwater do look scary, I feel for all those people affected by this disaster. Hope you keep safe, and it soon returns to normal.

Anonymous said...

we're living with the same here along the Red River up north ~ just incredible damage and losses... thx for your pictorial - praying with you ~