State of emergency declared for Wright County

In a special meeting this morning, the board of Supervisors unanimously voted to declare a state of emergency for Wright County due to a high accumulation of rainfall and flooded rural roads.

So far, flooding has been found to be particularly affecting the northern half of the county, prompting Belmond-Klemme Community Schools to dismiss class at 11:30 a.m. Heavy rainfall in Hancock County overnight is expected to continue affecting Wright County as the water flows downstream.

“We’ve got several areas of rural roads that are under water,” said Jim Lester, County Emergency Management Coordinator. Board Chairman Stan Watne also wanted to urge drivers to be cautious.

Roads superintendent Chase Pruismann reported that they’ve closed 50 roads so far, with 100 more flagged and coned. Problem areas include the grove southeast of Belmond and various roads near the Iowa and Boone Rivers in Boone, Belmond, and Pleasant townships.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also released a statement today urging Iowans to be prepared for flooding. “Additional rainfall, even in smaller amounts, when combined with an already saturated ground, could quickly lead to hazardous conditions,” said FEMA Region VII Administrator Beth Freeman. “It’s critical that Iowans prepare now to do what’s needed to be safe in the wake of current and near-term flooding, as well as other severe weather.”

The emergency declaration will allow state assistance and for county emergency funds to be used for road repair and barricading, if needed.  

Wright County Monitor

P.O. Box 153
Clarion, IA 50525
Phone: 515-532-2871
Email: news@wrightcountymonitor.com

Mid-America Publishing

This newspaper is part of the Mid-America Publishing Family. Please visit www.midampublishing.com for more information.