Flood waters still remain in parts of Southwestern Nebraska

MCCOOK, Neb. (KSNB) - Friday morning heavy rain pounded areas of Southwest Nebraska. Officials said several streets were blocked off because of rising water.

The southern and western parts of town were impacted the most, with the Republican River flooding Barnett Park.

United States Geological Survey officials said there was so much water that river water remain high for at least another day.

Officials said the parks geographic location led to the amount of water it received.

“The park sits lower than the rest of the surrounding area,” said Sergeant Nicholas Vargas. “So obviously all the rain water from the surrounding area is going to run into the park, and then the Republican River also runs on the south side of the park as well. So as soon as the water gets up and starts coming out of the banks it’ll sit in the park until the river recedes.”

Sergeant Vargas said Friday’s storms were the quickest amount of rain he had ever seen. For others, it ruined some extracurricular activities.

“Well you know like I say, I was planning on coming out fishing here today, but that kind of obviously that kind of changed plans and what have you,” said James Parsons, McCook native. “But you know, I guess it is what it is. You got to be thankful for the rain we get you know it’s kind of crazy but yea I don’t know what other, you know, maybe more time at home with family I guess.”

Local law enforcement wants to remind people the floods are not a time to play.

“I want to remind that when there is flooding that they turnaround and don’t drown,” Sgt. Vargas said. “Don’t try to drive through the water and end up getting stopped in the middle of the water. People don’t realize the power and force that flood water actually has behind it. It may look like a small little trickle like it’s barely moving but that water has a lot of force behind it.”

Sgt. Vargas said flood water isn’t a time to use water for recreational use because there is a potential the water is hazardous.

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