OMAHA, Neb. -- According to the U.S. National Weather Service, a strong storm is expected to move across the Missouri River Basin during the next 48 hours and is expected to continue and/or add to moderate and major flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa.
The storm has already caused some transmission lines to go offline near Pierre, South Dakota. As a result, less power has to be generated from Oahe Dam. This means water is being released through the regulation tunnels instead of the powerhouse. The release rate of 28,700 cubic feet per second remains unchanged.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is tracking the weather daily and continues to work with local, state and tribal governments as well as levee sponsors to provide direct and technical assistance as well as system status.
Everyone in the areas previously impacted by the recent runoff event should continue to exercise caution and to stay connected with local authorities, including emergency management resources. As the weather develops, the district will provide more information about our activities but in the meantime, everyone in the storm's projected path is urged to take extra steps to ensure their safety. FEMA provides a number of resources to assist to prepare for a disaster. That website is https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/7877.
Release no. 19-025