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In what may be inevitable this time of year, the Missouri River spilled over its west bank near Fort Calhoun and spurred the evacuation of a riverside enclave northeast of town.
Some of those who live in the area that includes Leisure Lane, Scenic View Lane and Moon River Lane sought shelter elsewhere, mostly with friends and family, said Bill Pook, emergency manager for Washington County.
The evacuation was not mandatory. Pook said he did not know how many people actually heeded recommendations to leave.
Fort Calhoun is about 20 miles north of Omaha. Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, east of Fort Calhoun, also had flooding.
The river was expected to crest about 2 feet below flood stage late Saturday or early Sunday and slowly begin to recede. It is not known when residents would be able to return.
Flooding also was reported at Omaha's N.P. Dodge Park.
In Council Bluffs, the Missouri went over its east bank, covering some low-lying ground.
“I hesitate to even call it flooding, because it's not even at flood stage,” said Jeffrey Theulen, Pottawattamie County emergency management coordinator.
Part of the parking lot at Harrah's Casino was blocked off because of the water.
“Frankly, that happens pretty frequently,” Theulen said.
Pook said basement flooding was reported in Burt County after the river went over the banks near Tekamah.
Near Fort Calhoun, there are 60 to 80 buildings in the area threatened by flooding, Pook said. Most are trailer homes, but there are also a couple of permanent homes.
“They are located right on the river's edge,'' Pook said.
Authorities went door-to-door to warn residents Friday. About 30 people live in the area year-round.
County Roads 32 and 47 were inundated with water. Pook said that cut access to the structures.
“Those roads could remain water-covered for several days,” he said.
Most of the homes were not flooded.
The people there are aware of their surroundings,” Pook said. “It's not like this is something unexpected.”
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