MILLS COUNTY, Iowa. (KMTV) — With floodwater overtopping the levee system and continuing potential of rising water, the mandatory evacuation order for Mills County has been expanded.
The mandatory evacuation order, issued Friday, now includes the unincorporated area from 221st South to Waubonsie Avenue between I-29 to the West. To the East, the expansion includes Levi Road transitioning to Norris Road transitioning to Painter Road. Floodwater overtopping the levee system along with the continuing potential of rising water led to the evacuation order. The possible loss of structural integrity in the containment system also played a role.
Residents in the area are required to evacuate as soon as possible, a press release from Mills County Emergency Management says.
Read the full press release here:
A Mandatory Evacuation Order was issued today by the Mills County Board of Supervisors and Mills County Emergency Management. The Evacuation area has been expanded to include the unincorporated area from 221st South to Waubonsie Avenue between Interstate 29 to the West and Levi Road transitioning to Norris Road transitioning to Painter Road to the East. The reason for this Mandatory Evacuation is due to floodwater overtopping the levee system along with projected rising water and the potential for loss of structural integrity in the containment system.
Residents in the evacuation area are required to evacuate as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Evacuation routes are North on 221st through Glenwood, Iowa to Council Bluffs, IA. Emergency Shelter is available at Salem United Methodist Church, 14955 Somerset Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 (Just off Hwy 92 and Risen Son). If residents in this area need assistance with the evacuation process or a shelter site, please contact the Mills County Communication Center – 712-527-4871.
Every effort will be made to leave utilities on in the affected area as long as possible. Those residences deemed unsafe due to water accumulation or impassable road conditions will be disconnected. Decisions to disconnect additional customers in the affected area will be made based upon changing safety conditions. MidAmerican Energy will make every effort to notify customers prior to disconnections.
Volunteers may be needed to assist with evacuations, if you are willing to assist, call 712-527-0137.
11:20a.m. update:
A third Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for Mills County.
The expansion includes the Potawattamie/Mills county line South to the Mills/Fremont county line, between the Missouri River on the West to the Loess Hills on the East.
Read the updated press release here:
A third Mandatory Evacuation Order was issued 11:20 a.m. today by the Mills County Board of Supervisors and Mills County Emergency Management. The Evacuation area has been expanded to include the following entire area: Pottawattamie/Mills County line South to the Mills/Fremont County Line, between the Missouri River on the West to the Loess Hills on the East. The reason for this Mandatory Evacuation is due to at least 2 levee failures and a confirmed levee breach along the Iowa side of the Missouri River across from Offutt Airforce Base, along with projected rising water and the potential for loss of structural integrity in the containment system.
Residents in the evacuation area are required to evacuate as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Evacuation routes are North on 221st through Glenwood, Iowa to Council Bluffs, IA. Emergency Shelter is available at Salem United Methodist Church, 14955 Somerset Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 (Just off Hwy 92 and Risen Son). If residents in this area need assistance with the evacuation process or a shelter site, please contact the Mills County Communication Center – 712-527-4871.
The Mills County Sheriff’s Office will only attempt human rescues in the daylight. Any resident who chooses to ignore the evacuation order and is in need of rescue after nightfall will wait until the sun rises the following morning.
Every effort will be made to leave utilities on in the affected area as long as possible. Those residences deemed unsafe due to water accumulation or impassable road conditions will be disconnected. Decisions to disconnect additional customers in the affected area will be made based upon changing safety conditions. MidAmerican Energy will make every effort to notify customers prior to disconnections.
