By Katie Knapp Schubert
Council Bluffs, IA – Council Bluffs has moved to the first level of its three-level flood alert status.
At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Fire Chief Alan Byers said the move was prompted by increased releases from Gavins Point Dam and above normal rainfall. He compares the alert status to the same level as a storm watch. "Although the evacuation of the community is not, and I repeat, not, necessary at this time, just as when we are anticipating a winter storm, you should plan ahead for that possibility." Byers says the event is unique because it'll last several weeks, not hours.
Byers says there's no immediate threat to Council Bluffs and residents with questions should not call 911.
Iowa emergency management officials say the release of 160,000 cubic feet per second of water from Gavins Point Dam will cause tributaries to back up.
In Fremont County, a mandatory evacuation is underway west of I-29 from the Mills County to Atchison County, Missouri lines.