Over the last couple of days we have seen the pictures, heard the stories, and many of us have lived with the disaster that has been going on in Northern Colorado. But there is one major city in the region that has managed to stay relatively dry, and sneak under the radar... Until now! Greeley now joins other cities in Northern Colorado and finds part of the city also in disaster mode. 

From a press release sent out by the City of Greeley:

Due to overnight rainfall and information from upstream reports, localized flooding along the Poudre River in west and north Greeley as well as flooding along the South Platte in south Greeley is anticipated.  Flooding along the Poudre will endanger properties to a more significant level than along the South Platte.

The peak of flooding will likely occur this afternoon with river levels rising throughout the day.  Flood modeling indicates that the flooding will be similar to and possibly greater than what occurred in 1983, when the Poudre overflowed and impacted homes and businesses along the floodway and floodplain.  The floodway and floodplain can be viewed on this map: http://greeleygov.com/gis/flood.aspx.  Red hashed area indicates floodway; white hashed area indicates 100-year flood plain. Flooding will vary as this is only a model for a 100-year event.

Current information:

  • A voluntary evacuation request is being issued immediately for residences and businesses included in the floodway and 100-year flood plain area identified on the linked map.  Reverse 911 and Greeley Police neighborhood patrols will be utilized for notification as well as traditional and social media. An evacuation center has been set up at the downtown Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Avenue.  The Red Cross is assisting.
  • There is NOT a boil water order for Greeley water customers. One of Greeley’s three transmission lines through Laporte, CO has been isolated as a precaution.  Greeley is sampling the water supply for the 54 Laporte customers to assure safety.  The City recommends those 54 customers use bottled water until the sampling is complete.  Water supply to Greeley and other Greeley water customers (Milliken, Windsor, Evans) is safe.
  • At this time only 71st Avenue is closed in Greeley from O Street to Poudre River Ranch.  Other closures are anticipated.
  • Residents and business operators can request sandbags at this number: 970-350-9336.  If residents are experiencing an emergency, they should call 911.
  • Several sections of the Poudre River Trail in Greeley have been closed. Additional closures are anticipated.  Residents are warned that submerged culverts can create dangerous whirlpools; stay clear of all floodwaters.
  • Non-essential City of Greeley employees have been notified that they can leave for the day starting at noon.
  • Public Information staff will post updates at www.greeleygov.com, www.facebook.com/cityofgreeley, www.twitter.com/greeleygov.

Greeley officials are asking that residents stay clear of all river banks as the banks can become unstable as water levels rise.  If motorists see water over roads they are advised to not drive through that water – Turn around. Don’t drown.

 

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