USA – 100 Homes Damaged or Destroyed by July Nebraska Floods

by in News, USA

Once again the state of Nebraska has suffered major flooding, this time after heavy rains in central and southern parts of the state from 08 July 2019. Hundreds of people were evacuated and almost 100 homes damaged or destroyed. Areas of the state are still recovering from historic spring floods from earlier this year.

Floods in central Nebraska, 11 July 2019. Photo: Nebraska State Patrol

Wettest Year to Date

NWS Omaha said that over 8 inches (203 mm) of rain fell on 08 July, increasing levels of the Platte and Wood rivers.

NWS Hastings said the heavy rainfall had pushed yearly totals to record levels. Via Social media, the Hasting office said: “Wettest Year-to-Date on record (Jan 1-Jul 12) at a few official NWS coop observer stations! Kearney: 27.52″ this year (previous record 26.77″ in 1905)…Holdrege: 28.83″ this year (previous 28.69″ in 1905)…Minden: 26.40″ this year (previous 25.86″ in 1944)”

Rainfall in Nebraska, 09 July 2019. Image: NWS Hastings

Hundreds Evacuated, Homes Damaged

Around 300 people were evacuated from their homes in Kearney. Wide areas of Gibbon, Holdrege and Lexington were also flooded.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency are preparing full damage assessments. American Red Cross is already working to assess damage to homes in communities affected and reported that 98 homes were destroyed or suffered major damage and 55 homes had minor damage during the recent flooding.

Heatwave

The state is currently enduring a heatwave, with temperatures around 90° F (32 °C) for ten days in a row to 13 July. NWS Omaha issued an “Excessive Heat Watch” for 17 to 19 July, when temperatures could reach 100 °F (38 °C). Thunderstorms are also likely over the coming days.

Social Media

https://twitter.com/ToddWayneVeal/status/1148600357733490690