A number of water rescues have taken place in South Coffeyville and Lenapah due to citizens being trapped in their homes by flood waters. Nowata County Emergency management director Laurie Summers says the South Coffeyville water rescue team has been actively rescuing citizens. In addition to the home rescues The Lenapah and Delaware Fire Departments also engaged in a vehicle rescue on Highway 10 east of the Verdigris River Bridge.
The City of Nowata’s water treatment plant has also been shut down and residents are being urged to conserve fresh water. The plant’s electrical panels are under water and can not operate. And Highway 169 between Watova and Talala remains closed due to flooding and Highway 10 between Lenapah and Welch is closed. The American Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at the Nowata County Fair Building. Sandbags are also being passed out at that location.
Meanwhile, both the cities of Coffeyville and Independence have made disaster declarations. Thos declarations will allow the cities to request assistance from the state.
The Verdigris River at Coffeyville is currently at 20.8 feet and is expected to crest at 25.5 feet by 5pm tomorrow. The top of the levee is just 1 foot above that level at 26.5 feet. Inn Independence the Verdigris is now at at 34.8 feet with a crest of 43.3 feet projected by 5pm Sunday. The City of Independence has already closed the Pine Street access to the city dam.
Elsewhere the Neosho River in Oswego is already at a major flood stage of 25/75 feet and is expected to rise to 26.2 feet by 5pm tomorrow.. The Fall River at Fredonia is also at a major flood stage level at 27.56 feet and projected to reach 33.4 feet by 7:00 tonight.
Flooding issues continue to impact other southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma communities. Greenwood County Emergency Management officials have requested all residents below the Fall River Dam to evacuate. A shelter for those residents of Greenwood County has been set up in Eureka.
In Bartlesville a number of area streets are closed to flooding in the far northwest section of the city as well as Highway 123 between Bartlesville and Dewey.
Also, as we check the radar there is a large area of heavy thunderstorms extending from Garden City, Kansas to Lubbock, Texas. These storms are moving to the northeast and under their current track will move through the Wichita to Kansas City areas later tonight. However, if these storms shift to a more easterly track that could create even bigger problems for our area. We’ll continue to watch these storms and should the situation warrant we’ll keep you updated.
