Thursday, September 19, 2013

Checking in

Good Morning,

I am up, checking in on the NOAA web site about the flood waters coming down the pike from Colorado.  We should start seeing water rise this morning sometime.

I went yesterday and before going home, stopped and took photos of the South Platte river, as best as I could.  We have a bridge that spans the river to the west of my home, this is Buffalo Bill Avenue.  This particular bridge is what the city is worried about as it has never been in a flood before, it was built about two years ago, and this will be a test to see if it holds up, big question.
The city is talking of shutting down this road.  As you can see by the photos, if you can, that this  river will be full when the water starts coming down, it will possibly crest at 13.5 ft or 14 ft. They are just not sure.  We are just holding on that the water will not pass the I-80 corridor which is the interstate that crosses the state. The interstate is north of me.  I was trying to take some photos of the interstate yesterday, but there were several cops, state patrol and I got the "don't stop" look and so moved on.  I am surprised that I was able to get over the river bridge to get photos.

I assure you that this will be full by Friday morning.  I stopped by the care center to see what was in place for the residences  there, including my dad, they are on the plan to move residents to a large church close to my parents home and they will be placed there.  I have to go in the morning and pack a small bag for my dad of clothing and other needs and they will start transporting maybe Friday sometime.  They are just not sure.  I have to stand by to see if my mom will be ok, also, as their home is just down from the care center.  Its just a wait and see, but I am sure if the water even shows anything, everyone will be moved.  I have to see how it will be for us, to see if the water starts to cross the interstate, and then if they start blocking roads, I have no way to get to the folks.  The care center is right next to the river, but it is up higher, but still something you do not wait around and wait and see attitude.
This will be a nerve wracking weekend.  We have had flooding, several years ago, but it was the North Platte river, which is north of us.  This time, its the South Platte, and lots of business is located south.  Again, its a wait and see and then rush like mad to get moved to higher ground.  The city should of been working on this the next day after the news of the Colorado flooding.  I love the fact of the government being the last to do anything to help prepare.  Sandbags could of started being made available to people to start working on this, and now, many of the small towns and villages are not ready.  On our local news, the small towns are just starting Tuesday night and Wednesday sand bagging around their communities.  Way to go.

I will post as I can, and keep up to date the best as I can.  Until then,  I am still here, and am praying.
Hugs

4 comments:

  1. Dear Vicki ~ Thank you for your email and for this update here. It's hard to imagine how that river and the bridge with high rushing waters.

    You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything works out ok and you and your folks are safe from flooding.

    Do keep us posted as much as you are able.

    Love and hugs to you ~ FlowerLady

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Lorraine for emailing me. It helps me try to keep the stress down.
      When the North Platte river was flooding a few years ago, the water was right under the bridge ironwork hitting the bridge. It was a sight. and that went on for several months.
      This will be a quick 30 or so hour rush. Its enough.
      I will keep posting as I can.
      Love and Hugs my friend.

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  2. Maybe it will all spread out a lot before it reaches your area and not cause any significant issues at all.

    Or maybe you should go get a surfboard.

    I hope all goes smooth for you and your parents. It was sunny for 2 days in a row here with just about 20 minutes of light rain and big winds last night. There shouldn't be more water headed towards you from that, at least.

    I also love the picture of your new place, the grass is really green, I bet you will have a huge garden next spring.

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  3. Thank you Max. I think a surfboard is in order. We just aren't sure of us. It has to jump I-80 and then I will worry, but we have a lot of farmland and pasture between us and the river and I am hoping it will spread out some.
    I do know now that the road west of us that I generally use to get into town will be shut down. They are bringing in huge equipment, excavator, D-9 cat, a huge pettybone, and other things on standby in case we have trees, debris hitting the bridge, or if dikes are needed to be built quickly. Like I mentioned, this particular bridge is a virgin with flooding, its new and has never had a water load like this. We shall see if it was built right and worth the money.....
    Until then, I am only sitting tight, and waiting. I am mad as my preps are not up to capacity.
    I do not think I will be able to get any more close photos either. I got a fish eyed look yesterday from State Patrol when I was taking what I have up now. So I am not going to push the issue.
    Take care, glad you are back and hold fast.

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