Flood warnings are in effect Friday for southwest Nebraska, which the National Weather Service says has received “5 to 10 inches of rain” in the past 24 hours.
The advisory extends to neighboring counties in Kansas and Colorado, as regional police are warning local residents to avoid trying to cross flooded roads.
“At 11:31 a.m. CDT, local law enforcement reported thunderstorms causing heavy downpours in Palisade and Stratton, where rescue and evacuation measures were taken,” the National Weather Service said in a midday advisory. “It has rained between 5 and 10 centimeters. Flooding is already happening.”
The NWS says a flash flood watch remains in effect through Saturday morning for “Colorado, northwest Kansas and parts of southwest Nebraska, including the following counties in Colorado: Kit Carson and Yuma. Northwest Kansas: Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton , Rawlins , Sheridan, Sherman, and Thomas. Southwest Nebraska: Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow.”
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A truck gets stuck in floodwaters in Dundy County, Nebraska, on May 26, 2023. (Dundy County Sheriff’s Office)
The Dundy County Sheriff’s Office, west of Stratton, shared an image of what it says is a “full-size pickup” completely submerged in a flooded road.
“Please do NOT attempt to cross standing water,” he said.
No deaths or injuries have been reported, but the NWS says “most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.”
“Don’t try to cross covered bridges, dives or low-water crossings. Never try to cross a stream, no matter how small, on foot,” he said. “To escape the rising waters, find another way to higher ground.
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“Motorists should not attempt to drive through barricades or flooded areas,” the NWS added. “Please report any observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request that this information be forwarded to the National Weather Service when you can safely do so.”
The Benkelman Post and News Chronicle reported on their Facebook page that three boats were used to rescue five people and three dogs from homes in Stratton.
He also shared images of a railway bridge which he said is “partially collapsed” due to flooding in the area.
“It appears that the concrete footings at one end were washed away,” he reported.
Flooding on a road in southwest Nebraska’s Dundy County. (Dundy County Sheriff’s Office)
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Flooding has closed many roads in the area.
“Anyone traveling to Enders, Wauneta or Trenton, please leave work and stay home,” the Dundy County Sheriff’s Office said. “DO NOT risk it, it’s not worth it. Emergency crews are already stretched thin across the area. Stay home and stay safe.”
Greg Norman is a reporter for Fox News Digital.