Platte River channel in central Nebraska, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — Ice jam flooding along the Platte River has prompted the issuance of a Flood Advisory for several counties in south central Nebraska through the evening of Monday, Feb. 9.
According to the National Weather Service – Hastings, a Flood Advisory has been issued for parts of Merrick, Hall and Hamilton counties until 7 p.m.
“With near-record temps yesterday, expected record temps today and cooler but still solidly above normal temps on Tuesday, considerable ice melt and movement will surely persist along the
Platte and Loup River systems in our Nebraska forecast area for a few more days, along with the possibility of localized ice jam flooding,” per NWS Hastings.
As of 7:19 a.m., NWS Hastings has received reports from staff and public reports of an ice jam within some channels of the Platte River near the vicinity of the Highway 281 and Interstate 80 interchange and also near South Locust St. in Hall County.
“Some locations that could experience flooding include, low lying areas and pasture/farm ground adjacent to the Platte River in rural Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick Counties,” per NWS Hastings, “Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
NWS Hastings noted that unlike traditional warm season flooding from heavy rain that is easier to detect via radar and the network of river gauges, ice jam flooding can be more difficult to detect and are more reliant on reports from emergency management, spotters and the public to keep them informed of ongoing ice jam flooding issues.
