Mills County evacuation issued Saturday morning

Mills County, Iowa, officials expanded a mandatory evacuation Saturday morning for residents near the Missouri River who live east of the Loess Hills, said Sheri Bowen, a spokeswoman.


Officials previously had ordered evacuations affecting approximately 80 families from the area from I-29 west to the river. Saturday's additional evacuation was ordered because water was going under the interstate and backing up to the east.


Residents should evacuate by 5 p.m. Saturday.


In this situation, she said, a mandatory evacuation means that residents can stay, “but we may not be able to respond to an emergency at your home.”


Workers will try to keep utilities on for as long as possible, but will disconnect power when homes are deemed unsafe or roads become impassable. A shelter has been set up at Salem United Methodist Church in Council Bluffs.


Interstate 29 has been closed in several spots due to flooding. I-29 between the Missouri line and near Pacific Junction is closed. It is also closed north of Council Bluffs, from the North 25th Street exit to Loveland, Iowa.