Harrison County officials have been monitoring and coordinating flood preparedness and response throughout last weekend and into this week. Several meetings have taken place to review river level projections and to discuss potential impacts. As of Monday morning, additional meetings are being planned throughout the week as river levels rise and crest in the Harrison County area.
The Rand Peterson Levee District trustees have met to review projected river levels, and have been continuously monitoring the levee since Monday. Trustees will drive the levee no less than twice per day throughout the flood event. At this time there are no concerns with the levee system.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office will be assisting with monitoring the local river levels, and will be helping with road closures and detours that may arise. The Sheriff's Office will be monitoring roadways, and will get closures started immediately if water begins to overtop the roadway.
“If you encounter water over the roadway, turn around and report the location to the 911 communication center immediately,” Sheriff Brandon Doiel said.
Currently officials are working closely with the Woodland Campground and expect flooding within the park. The projected water levels will have an impact and many campers have been relocated to higher ground.
In the event that an evacuation will be needed, the Alert Iowa system will be used to send an emergency alert to residents in the impacted area. The alert will state the impact expected and the response needed from residents. At this time the projected river levels do not require evacuations within Harrison County communities; however, residents should have a plan in place for themselves and animals in the event of a levee breach.
“It is important that residents are also monitoring the flooding situation, and are using confirmed sources for information,” County Supervisor Brian Rife said.
If conditions or projections change and have a potential threat to the public, Harrison County officials will release information immediately. Please follow Harrison County Emergency Management on Facebook and sign up for flood alerts on Alert Iowa.
