US: Storm causes flooding, road closures, power outages in Omaha August 20

Event

The city of Omaha (Nebraska) received near-record rainfall of 15.6 cm (6.15 in) on Monday, August 20, resulting in significant flooding. Police have accordingly barricaded and closed John J. Pershing Drive to 16th Street, Read Street to 16th Street, 16th Street from Read Street to Storz Expressway, and John J. Pershing Drive from Read Street to Abbot Drive due to the flooding. Several of the abovementioned road closures may hinder access to Eppley Airfield (OMA). Power outages affecting approximately 13,000 people were reported on Monday, though by 16:00 (local time) power had been restored to all but 700 affected people. A flood warning is in effect for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa through 22:45 on Monday evening. Further transportation disruptions and power outages are possible in affected areas in the coming hours.

Advice

Individuals present in the Omaha area are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, plan alternate routes, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.