A man died after being swept away in flood waters in Bellevue, south of Omaha, Nebraska on Friday 20 June 2014.
The flooding came after huge amounts of rainfall. 6.83 inches fell in 24 hours between Friday and Saturday 21 June. The severe weather in Nebraska is part of a weather system affecting areas across the Upper Midwest. Storms in the Omaha area also left over 10,000 residents without power at one point on Friday. Last week saw tornadoes in Nebraska, followed by storms and heavy rainfall and floods in the midwest states of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.
The victim was in his vehicle when it hit difficulties in raging flood water. Although he was able to escape from the car he was eventually pulled underwater and drowned. Strong currents made it impossible for emergency services to reach him. His body was recovered the next morning.
The recent heavy rainfall could spell trouble for low-lying communities along the Missouri River. At around midday Sunday 22 June 2014, the Missouri River at Omaha stood at 27.83 feet. Flood stage is 29 feet. Levels are predicted to rise to at least 28 feet, although the heavy rainfall could push those levels higher.
Looks like we need to add more divers and swim lessons. #Flood pic.twitter.com/5wjYNjQ01P
— Airborne Academy (@Airborne_Omaha) June 21, 2014
Close to 7 inches of rain reported in parts of SW #Omaha; metro in flood warning — http://t.co/lbn9N6pyjp pic.twitter.com/tHbzNjODDj
— Omaha World-Herald (@OWHnews) June 21, 2014
