Evacuations are happening now in Independence since last night Sunday and in Coffeyville since early this morning Monday. The National Weather Service has released a new river forecast for the Verdigris River in Independence - forecasted to crest at 45.0 feet on Monday morning. The Montgomery County Chronicle reports the river continues to show its power, for the flow has exceeded the anticipated crest level.
As of 6am today, the river gauge in Independence was at 45.23 feet, surpassing the forecasted crest. The river has experienced a dramatic rise on Sunday due to unprecedented release of water from Toronto and Fall River reservoirs.
The City of Independence said at least 50 local homes could be inundated with water. Evacuations are ongoing. At 47 feet, the river level will cause inundation of the City’s water treatment plant, and water levels will cross Penn Avenue underneath the railroad overpass and possibly flow across Hwy 160 east of Independence and on Hwy 75 north of the Elk River bridge. During the 2007 flood, the maximum height of the river was at 52.4 feet.
Street closures include Penn Ave. at the railroad overpass, at Park Blvd. water has reached Westminster Place to the south, and South 10th St. is closed. Detour signs are in place on Poplar St.
