Rick Setchell
Journal staff writer
PLATTSMOUTH - In spite of numerous funnel cloud sightings and tornado warnings Wednesday night, the biggest threat to Cass County residents is not from above but from below. A flood warning for the Missouri River is in effect until early Saturday morning. The river spilled into the Plattsmouth Marina earlier in the week. The water began to recede Wednesday but following a night of heavy rain, the river level rose quickly causing more flooding.
The Salt Creek in Greenwood is forecast to crest about three feet above flood level before receding.
A stormy evening had been predicted by the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma City. A line of thunderstorms began taking shape along a dry line extending from extreme northeastern Nebraska back south to the center of the state. Storms quickly formed along the advancing dry line. Those storms took a tragic turn as they struck a Boy Scout camp in Little Sioux, Iowa. around 6:30 p.m. Four scouts were killed and nearly 50 injuries were reported.
While sirens were sounded in many communities, including Plattsmouth, Louisville and Greenwood, most of Cass County escaped major storm damage.
Heavy rains continue causing problems for residents and farmers. Cedar Creek's park had standing water near the playground equipment. The levels of the lakes at Cedar Creek were also on the rise.
Dan and Gloria Hill have lived in Cedar Creek for more than 20 years. They said they have not seen conditions like this for a long time.
"In 1993, it was about like this," Hill said. "We've never been flooded but it (Platte River) was about as high as this." Hill said he didn't believe the river was going to flood his property but was concerned about some of his neighbors.
"Our lake is up real good, too," Hill said. The Hills pointed to a tree and a picnic bench in their back yard that was submerged.
"That was our beach," Hill said.
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