Global Courant 2023-05-27 00:08:58
The flash flood warnings are in effect Friday in southwestern Nebraska, as the National Weather Service says “as much as 5-10 inches of rain” has fallen in the area in the past 24 hours.
The advisories, which extend to neighboring Kansas and Colorado counties, come as police in the region are warning locals not to try to cross flooded roads.
“At 11:31 a.m. CDT, local law enforcement reported thunderstorms bringing heavy rain in Palisade and Stratton, where rescue and evacuation efforts have taken place,” the National Weather Service said in an afternoon advisory. “There has been between 5 and 10 inches of rain. There are already flash floods.”
The NWS says a flood watch will remain in effect through Saturday morning for “portions of Colorado, northwestern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska, including the following counties, in Colorado: Kit Carson and Yuma. In northwestern Kansas: Cheyenne , Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, and Thomas. In southwestern Nebraska: Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow.”
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A truck stuck in floodwaters in Dundy County, Nebraska, May 26, 2023. (Dundy County Sheriff’s Office)
The Dundy County Sheriff’s Office, which is west of Stratton, shared an image of what it says is a “full-size pickup” completely submerged in a flooded road.
“Please DO NOT attempt to cross standing water,” it said.
There are no reports of deaths or injuries, but the NWS says “most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
“Do not attempt to cross bridges, potholes or low-water crossings covered in water. Never attempt to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot,” he said. “To escape the rising water, find another route over higher ground.
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“Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas,” the NWS adds. “Please report any observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request that they pass this information on to the National Weather Service when it is safe to do so.”
The Benkelman Post newspaper and News Chronicle reported on their Facebook page that three boats were used to rescue five people and three dogs from homes in Stratton.
It also shared footage of a railway bridge that it said “partially collapsed” as a result of the flooding in the area.
“It appears that the concrete foundation has been swept away on one side,” it reported.
Flooding on a road in Dundy County in southwestern Nebraska. (Dundy County Sheriff’s Office)
Global Courant
Many roads in the area have also been closed due to the flooding.
“Anyone traveling to Enders, Wauneta or Trenton should cancel work and stay home,” the Dundy County sheriff said. “Don’t touch it, it’s not worth it. Emergency services are already strewn across the area. Stay home and stay safe.”
Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.
