Flooding update for Feb. 15, 2017
Written by broebling on February 16, 2017
Press Release – The ice jams that caused flooding and evacuations in Worland, Wyo. have moved out of Worland and have the potential to move north into Big Horn County and through the towns of Manderson, Basin and Greybull. That potential and the forecast of warmer weather have officials taking precautionary measures.
In Big Horn County, local volunteers and 24 Wyoming State Forestry Division Smoke Busters are filling sandbags in Greybull and approximately 70 National Guard members are concentrating their efforts in Manderson in Big Horn County.
Crews will be reinforcing levees in Greybull and protecting critical communication structures, the sewer treatment plant and other critical facilities. In Manderson, National Guard personnel have sandbagged around Cloud Peak Middle School and are focusing on protecting communication structures and critical facilities.
The American Red Cross is continuing damage assessments on affected homes in Worland to determine the extent of damages. It is anticipated that the assessments will be completed by this afternoon.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has been providing resource assistance to the flood fighting efforts and has contributed greatly to the effort. The Wyoming Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided sheltering and mass care needs to the affected areas.
Gov. Matt Mead issued an Executive Order Friday, Feb. 10, declaring a state of emergency in response to severe weather and flood conditions across Wyoming. Health and safety are paramount considerations. The Order directs the Office of Homeland Security and the Wyoming National Guard to take appropriate action.
