Flash Flooding and Flooding in Nebraska, March 13 to 31, 2019

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Rulo, operated by the USGS, peaked at 28.14 feet at 5 pm on March 17th. Major flood stage is 26 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the highest on record. Flooding continued into the next month. Levee R520 overtopped as a result of this high water. Several houses just to the Northeast on the Rulo side of the bridge were under water and the bridge crossing the Missouri River from Nebraska to Missouri was closed due to water over the road.

This is for flooding along the Ponca Creek. The river gage at Verdel, operated by the USGS, peaked at 18.2 feet at 4 am on March 14th. Major flood stage is 17 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the highest on record. Water damaged 3 homes on the outskirts of Verdel and there were some people that had to be evacuated via tractor. Property damage amounts for the county are included in the Niobrara River entry.

Flooding occurred countywide along creeks and rivers. Notably, for flooding along the Big Blue River, the river gage at Crete, operated by the USGS, peaked at 30.68 feet at 6 pm on March 15th. Major flood stage is 29 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the highest on record. One home was confirmed impacted by the flooding. Several homes in the 20th and Main Street area had water in basements due to storm drains backing up. Flooding reported on the north side of Crete with numerous roads closed due to flooding. Swan Creek was out of its banks and inundated numerous roads across southern Saline county. Property loss amounts are for the entire county.

A home along South Omaha Creek near Walthill was flooded. The gauge on South Omaha Creek reached a preliminary value of 24.61 feet. Flood totals for the county are included in the entry for Logan Creek Flooding.

Water was reported over Highway 20 at Osmond.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Omaha, operated by the USGS, peaked at 34.41 feet at 8 am on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 29 feet, moderate flood stage is 32 feet while major flood stage is 40 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the 3rd highest on record. The combination of this high water and that of the Platte River caused major damage to the Papillion Creek Wastewater plant.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at Neligh, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 11.4 feet at noon on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 11 feet. Gage data is preliminary.

This is for flooding along the Logan Creek. The river gage at Uehling, operated by the USGS, peaked at 21.16 feet at 4 pm on March 15th. Minor flood stage is 18 feet, moderate flood stage is 19 feet while major flood stage is 21 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the highest on record. The only known damages were to county roads along the Logan Creek. Other flooded areas were low-lying areas of Oakland which included their city park.

Portions of the town had 2 to 3 feet of water, especially areas along the North Fork.

Water was reported on roadways at County Road G and County Road 18 near Hooper.

Water was covering the intersection of Highway 275 and Highway 91.

Water was on the road on Highway 30 west of North Bend.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at Pilger, operated by the USGS, peaked at 18.77 feet at 10:30 pm on March 13th. Minor flood stage is 12 feet. Major flood stage is 15 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the 2nd highest on record.

This is for flooding along the Maple Creek. The river gage near Nickerson, operated by the USGS, peaked at 17.78 feet at 8 am on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 11.5 feet, moderate flood stage is 13 feet while major flood stage is 17 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the highest on record. The town of Nickerson experienced major flooding with many homes impacted.

This is for flooding along the Logan Creek. The river gage at Pender, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 28.8 feet at 8 am on March 14th. Major flood stage is 23 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Though the town is protected by a levee, some significant flooding did occur in Pender. Water entered the Pender Community Center, as deep as 1.5 feet in some places. Highway 9 was closed as water was over the road.

Highway 20 is closed between 556TH Avenue and Nebraska 57 due to flooding.

Highway 91 closed between 281 and 52 due to flooding.

This is for flooding along the Pebble Creek. The river gage at Scribner, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 24.09 feet at 9 pm on March 13th. Minor flood stage is 18 feet, moderate flood stage is 21 feet while major flood stage is 23 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the 3rd highest on record. Flood gates placed on Highway 275 kept water out of Scribner likely saving it from major flooding.

Highway 15 closed between 44th and Higgins Drive due to flooding.

Highway 12 was closed between 537th and 539th due to flooding over the highway. Dollar damage amounts for all of Knox County are included in the Niobrara River flood entry.

Minor flooding observed on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River and is now out of its banks.

County roads department reports multiple county roads are under water in northwest Wayne. They are beginning to barricade roads.

Water from Maple Creek is beginning to cross the bridge at Nickerson Road.

Water is encroaching the bridge guards along Maple Creek.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at West Point, operated by the USGS, peaked at 17.36 feet at 9:45 pm on March 13th. Minor flood stage is 12 feet. Major flood stage is 18.7 feet. Preliminarily this peak is the 3rd highest on record.

This is for flooding along the Niobrara River. The river gauge at Verdel, operated by the USGS, peaked at 19.38 feet at 6 pm on March 13th. Major flood stage is 10 feet. This peak is the highest on record. This gauge was destroyed by ice and floodwaters during the event. The high water value was obtained post-flood by the USGS. This historic flooding along the Niobrara River was the result of rain, snowmelt and the failure of the upstream Spencer Dam. The dam failed due to overtopping with some estimates of 3 to 5 feet of water going over the dam. The resulting wave of water from this dam failure caused substantial damage in low-lying areas of the town of Niobrara. Damage was somewhat isolated in regards to the whole town, but what was affected was absolutely devastated. Major damage sustained to the Country Cafe, and farm buildings next door. Thick river ice slabs 2-3 ft thick also contributed to damage, with the Country Cafe having most of its walls lost due to ice. The owner said when they arrived, the ice piles left behind from the flood were close to 10 ft high and completely surrounded the Cafe up to the roof. Measured a 6.4 ft high water mark in the cafe. The Highway 12 bridge was washed out in two sections on the west side of the river channels. Property damage amounts are for the entire county.

Beaver Creek rose out of its banks causing substantial flooding of the town of St. Edward. Several buildings in downtown were flooded with 1 to 2 feet of water.

This is for flooding along the Big Blue River. The river gage at Crete, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 26.89 feet at 11 pm on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 18 feet, moderate flood stage is 26 feet while major flood stage is 32 feet. River gage data is preliminary. Highway 136 was closed due to flooding.

Heavy rain and rapid snow melt created ice jams along Cedar Creek and flooded Highway 52 and Highway 56. The town of Cedar Rapids was evacuated due to the impending flood waters.

Maple Creek is out of its banks with lowland flooding in Howells.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at North Bend, operated by the USGS, peaked at 11.91 feet at 8 am on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 12 feet while major flood stage is 15 feet. Preliminary this peak is the 3rd highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at North Bend, operated by the USGS, peaked at 11.91 feet at 8 am on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 12 feet while major flood stage is 15 feet. Preliminary this peak is the 3rd highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement. Areas that were severely impacted include: North Bend, Inglewood, south Fremont, Big Island area and Fremont Lake State Recreation areas. Many highways and gravels roads were flooded.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at North Bend, operated by the USGS, peaked at 11.91 feet at 8 am on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 12 feet while major flood stage is 15 feet. Preliminary this peak is the 3rd highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at North Bend, operated by the USGS, peaked at 11.91 feet at 8 am on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 12 feet while major flood stage is 15 feet. Preliminary this peak is the 3rd highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

Roads in Elgin flooded up to a foot in some locations, but still passable to traffic.

The Little Blue River is out of its banks in many locations, inundating county roads across southern Jefferson county.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at Winslow, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 24.14 feet at 1 am on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 17 feet. Major flood stage is 24 feet. Preliminary this is a record crest. The town of Winslow received extensive damage as their levee was easily overtopped. This river gage stopped reporting around 6 am on March 14th. This was likely due to river ice damaging the gage sensor.

This is for flooding along the North Fork Elkhorn River. The river gage near Pierce, operated by the USGS, peaked at 17.34 feet at 2 am on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 12 feet, moderate flood stage is 14 feet while major flood stage is 16 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. The town of Pierce was saved by their levee which never overtopped or breached. Despite this portions of the town had 2 to 3 feet of water.

The Washington County newspaper reported Arlington was hit hard during the flood. Flooding in Arlington began March 13 as the Bell Creek went out of its banks, flooding the village's sports complex at the intersection of First and Bell streets, parts of First and Second streets and areas south of U.S. Highway 30 and north of the village. The floodwaters closed down both directions of U.S. Highway 30. By Friday, water from the Bell Creek had receded in those areas, but on the other side of town, the Elkhorn River began to overflow, flooding the Washington County Fairgrounds and surrounding area.

The Park in Craig is completely under water.

Highway 91 is closed in both direction between Blair and Nickerson.

The Platte River has begun to ruse out of its banks at Highway 77.

This is for flooding along the Shell Creek. The river gage near Columbus, operated by the USGS, peaked at 22.21 feet at 7:30 am on March 14th. Major flood stage is 22 feet. Preliminary data shows that this peak is the 2nd highest on record. US Highway 81 was flooded over from high waters from Shell Creek. Much rural property was inundated by flood waters. A bridges were taken out by flooding. A Columbus man drowned on the 14th while driving his tractor north on, 175th Avenue and over the Shell Creek Bridge. The bridge gave way and the man was swept away by flood waters. Dollar amounts for the county are included in the Loup River flood entry.

An NWS flood survey showed water depths in portions of town reach 1 to 3 feet. The flooding most affected the east portions of town, closest to the Verdigree Creek. Farm homes were flooded out. One was a fifth generation farm home. Property damage amounts for the entire county are in the Niobrara River flood entry.

The Horseshoe Lake community is trapped due to rising water from the Platte River. Water has covered the only road in our out of the area.

Water is over the road at 839th West of Battle Creek.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Plattsmouth, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, peaked at 40.62 feet at 6 am on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 26 feet, moderate flood stage is 32 feet while major flood stage is 35 feet. Preliminary this peak is a record crest. This record flooding caused substantial damages to the water treatment plant for the city of Plattsmouth. Flooding continued into the next month.

Highway 92 along the bypass around Wahoo is closed.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Brownville, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, peaked at 45.48 feet at 5 pm on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 34 feet, moderate flood stage is 38.5 feet while major flood stage is 43 feet. Preliminary this peak is a record crest. Flooding continued into the next month.

John J. Pershing Drive is closed between Dick Collins Road and Ponca Road due to street flooding.

First street is closed between County Road 19 and US 77 due to flooding.

This is for flooding along the Loup River. The river gage at Columbus, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 19.39 feet at 5 am on March 15th. Major flood stage is 20 feet. Preliminary this peak is the 2nd highest on record. This flooding caused substantial damage to the area, specifically on the river side of the levee around Columbus. This damage was the result of both ice jam and open water flooding. Several businesses and homes were destroyed and many people needed to be rescued. The water got within 1 to 2 feet of the top of the levee and never got into Columbus. One woman was killed by flood waters in her home. Rescuers could not get to her home due to extreme weather conditions. Property damage amounts represent amounts for the entire county.

Beaver Creek flooded due to heavy rain and snow melt. By 130 PM CST water was crossing over the intersection of Highways 39 and 56 west of St. Edward. The resulting snow melt and heavy rain caused the waters from Beaver Creek to flood downtown St. Edward and eastern sections of Albion.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Nebraska City, operated by the USGS, peaked at 30.15 feet at 6 pm on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 18 feet, moderate flood stage is 23 feet while major flood stage is 27 feet. Preliminary this was a record crest. Flooding continued into the next month.

Parts of Nickerson are under water due to overflow from Maple Creek.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Ashland, operated by the USGS, peaked at 24.35 feet at 7 am on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 20 feet, moderate flood stage is 22 feet while major flood stage is 26 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement. This gage was also impacted by levee breaches all along this portion of the Platte River. Damages are based on an estimate from the Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District. This dollar amount also takes into account the substantial damage that occurred at Camp Ashland. In addition, many lake communities were substantially damaged or destroyed by the flood.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Ashland, operated by the USGS, peaked at 24.35 feet at 7 am on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 20 feet, moderate flood stage is 22 feet while major flood stage is 26 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement. Substantial damage occurred at Linoma Beach.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at Norfolk, operated by the USGS, peaked at 15.5 feet at 7 am on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 12 feet. Major flood stage is 17 feet. Preliminary this was the 3rd highest crest on record. A 30 year old man was killed by flood waters when he was on top of a car at 4 am CDT on the 14th in a field east of north First Street in Norfolk. Water swept away the man and the body was never found. Water closed US Hyway 275 on the 14th and numerous streets were under water due to the flooding in Norfolk.

This is for flooding along the Big Blue River. The river gage at Seward, operated by the Nebraska DNR, peaked at 22.98 feet at 6 pm on March 14th. Minor flood stage is 18 feet, moderate flood stage is 22 feet while major flood stage is 27 feet. Gage data is preliminary. The Big Blue River flooded Highway 34 near Seward.

A levee on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River broke due to heavy rains and snow melt. This allowed water to flood Pierce. Homes and businesses were flooded in Pierce.

A levee on Shell Creek was topped by waters from heavy rain and fast snow melt. This caused the town of Rogers to be flooded. The town was evacuated in anticipation that water would enter the town.

Logan Creek is out of its banks.

The housing that holds the gauge equipment was knocked over by flowing ice. Data measurement on the Platte River at this location unavailable until further notice.

Heavy rain and snow melt caused flooding at Wayne State University, mainly at their Willow Bowl outdoor amphitheater. Wayne Municipal Airport was under water and did sustain damage. Also the walking trail in Wayne was damaged by flood waters.

A combination of heavy rain, rapid snow melt and an ice jam 2 miles west of Beemer on the Elkhorn River caused flash flooding in Beemer. Water covered US Highway 275 more than a foot deep and six residences were evacuated in Beemer.

Residents south of Inglewood are being evacuated.

Residents of the Woodcliffe Lakes community are being asked to evacuate.

This is for flooding along the Elkhorn River. The river gage at Waterloo, operated by the USGS, peaked at 24.77 feet at 11:30 am on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 14 feet. Major flood stage is 21 feet. Preliminary this was a record crest. Some ice action occurred on the afternoon of the 13th, but this was short-lived. The town of Waterloo was saved by its levee which never overtopped or breached.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Blair, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, peaked at 31.12 feet at 5 pm on March 18th. Minor flood stage is 26.5 feet, moderate flood stage is 28.2 feet, and major flood stage is 33 feet. Gage data is preliminary. Many roads along the river were impacted and damaged due to the flowing water over these roads.

Water covering Highway 30 and Highway 81 intersection.

Highway 92 was closed.

Widespread flooding across the county. There are three major bridges under water, including the highway 32 bridge at West Point, The Wisner County Road 6 bridge, and the Beemer bridge are all impassable.

Evacuations are beginning in the Lake Oconee area.

Evacuations taking place in cabins near Highway 92.

Evacuation of residents by boat of Morehead Island when all roads became impassable. Railroad tracks in the area are also being impacted.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Louisville, operated by the USGS, peaked at 13.75 feet at 6 pm on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 9 feet, moderate flood stage is 11 feet while major flood stage is 12 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Louisville, operated by the USGS, peaked at 13.75 feet at 6 pm on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 9 feet, moderate flood stage is 11 feet while major flood stage is 12 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

Highway 15 closed between Schuyler and Octavia due to ice and water going over the Platte River bridge.

Highway 6 closed by Linoma Beach between Ashland and Gretna due to flooding.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Leshara, operated by the USGS, peaked at 12.38 feet at 8 am on March 15th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 10 feet while major flood stage is 12 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage at Leshara, operated by the USGS, peaked at 12.38 feet at 8 am on March 15th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet, moderate flood stage is 10 feet while major flood stage is 12 feet. Preliminary this peak is the highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement. Another factor along this part of the river was a levee break at Union Dike just downstream of Fremont. This led to the evacuation of Valley and surrounding areas. Damage estimate for Union Dike is from the Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District.

Levee R-613 failed causing major flooding at Offutt Air Force Base and the Papillion Creek Wastewater Plant.

Evacuations are beginning at Hansons Lake.

Levee being overtopped in southeast Sarpy county. Evacuations are taking place.

Water over the bridge on Maple Street. Road is being closed.

Highway 34/75 bridge over the Platte River is closed.

Evacuations are taking place.

Highway 136 bridge over the Big Blue River is being closed.

Water went over ther the road on Maple, Street Dodge Street, and Center Street at the Elkhorn River. All these roads along the Elkhorn were closed. Dodge street apprroach to the bridge received extensive damage with huge broken up pieces of roadway that were undermined by flood waters. The couple small bridges west of the river on Center Street collapsed.

NWS Omaha/Valley is being evacuated due to flood waters. Valmont industries evacuated their plant and mandatory evacuation orders occurred in the town of Valley. A levee breech in the Platte River along the Union Dike caused flood waters to overtake the entire town. Numerous homes and businesses were flooded.

Water in Fremont is up to the tracks in the south part of town.

Water from the Big Blue River is entering storm drains and filling streets with water.

East Mission and Mills County State Highway 10 toll road is impassable.

Platte River Levee overtopped south of Thomas Lakes Road. Water flowing into Camp Ashland and Sandy Point development.

This is for flooding along the Missouri River. The river gage at Decatur, operated by the USGS, peaked at 36.59 feet at 5 pm on March 17th. Minor flood stage is 35 feet. Preliminary this was the 3rd highest crest on record.

This is for flooding along the Platte River. The river gage near Duncan, operated by the USGS, briefly peaked above minor flood stage at 8.02 feet at 6:30 am on March 16th. Minor flood stage is 8 feet. Preliminary this peak was the 3rd highest on record. Ice jamming also played a role in the flooding at this location. The net effect of this flooding was overwhelmed by the high water that immediately proceeded any river ice movement.

The Nebraska State Patrol reported that State Highway 92 bridge over the Elkhorn River has washed away.