Captain Mark Owen, Platte County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management, has been notified by the National Weather Service and the Army Corps of Engineers that portions of Platte County are likely to experience flooding by the Missouri River in the near future.
The Corps of Engineers plans to increase the release of water from the Gavin’s Points Reservoir in South Dakota beginning now until at least mid July.
The increased flow from the reservoir, coupled with normal expected rainfall, is expected to cause the Missouri River to reach flood stages and top levees in the northern part of Platte County. Residences and business in the Bean Lake and Iatan area may very well experience flooding.
Residents in those areas are encouraged to make alternate housing arrangements in the event flood waters reach their homes.
The increased water flow may also cause levees to be topped in the central and southern part of the county. Residents and businesses in the Farley and Waldron areas should remain alert to developing conditions and make emergency plans for flooding if circumstances warrant.
The potential effect of Missouri River flooding on Parkville and Riverside, as well as potential flooding by the Platte River, is still under evaluation by the Corps of Engineers and Platte County Emergency Management.
Platte County is working with the Corps of Engineers, SEMA and the various levee districts to determine what sand bagging options will be available in the affected areas.
Updates will be posted when available on the Platte County web page at www.co.platte.mo.us and at the Sheriff’s Department web page at www.plattesheriff.org.
If additional information is needed, contact the Platte County Emergency Management at (816) 858-1965.