Updated story:
Dodge County Sheriff Steve Hepsen held a press conference Sunday afternoon, providing updates on flooding in the area after an ice jam on the Platte River broke free Saturday.
Sheriff Hepsen said the ice jam is still in the river so there's potential for water to rise if the ice jam doesn't move on. However, Sunday's warm weather is a good sign the jam could be breaking up.
He adds that flooding happens often in the spring, but people are more on edge after flooding caused extensive damage across Nebraska in 2019.
This flooding is a different scenario than last year, Sheriff Hepsen said. Substantial snowfall in 2019 along with heavy rain and frozen ground caused water levels to rise.
He urges people to stay aware of water levels and tells residents to be prepared if they are forced to leave by creating a flood plan and having short-term supplies and medications handy.
The main area that remains flooded is between Ridge Rd and Hansen Rd. Flooding near Big Island Rd has gone down.
The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning in Dodge County through 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Reporter Sydney Gray will have more on the flooding at 10 p.m.
I’m at a residence in Fremont (homeowners let me get this view from their backyard). They say they’ve never seen or heard the river this quiet pic.twitter.com/HcZbI8ytCW
— Sydney Gray (@Sydney_GTV) February 16, 2020
Flooding near Ridgeland Ave @3NewsNowOmaha pic.twitter.com/xyddAbbjpI
— Sydney Gray (@Sydney_GTV) February 16, 2020
Original story:
Dodge County Emergency Management says flooding has remained stable after an ice jam on the Platte River broke free on Saturday.
They report that Big Island Road is clear of ice and County Rd 19 has been re-opened; however, it could still be difficult for residents to get to their homes because of some flooding remaining in the area.
Road closures from Ridge Rd to the entrance of Emerson Estates are still in place.
Dodge County Emergency Management is working with the Army Corps of Engineers for technical assistance, according to a Facebook post.
The Community Emergency Response Teams are working to assess damage by using drones.
The Red Cross shelter at 1st Lutheran Church has been closed.
Read Dodge County Emergency Management's update below.
