UPDATE: Officials with the City of Pierce say no mandatory evacuation is needed for the east side of town.
City officials say they are continuing to monitor the North Fork of the Elkhorn River east of town. They say residents will be notified of any changes.
The North Fork of the Elkhorn south of Pierce is at 16.4 feet as of 10:45 PM. It is currently in the major flood stage and has set a record for highest water level. It is predicted to crest at 18 feet on Thursday.
City officials also request that all residents restrict their water usage. They say the City sewer system is near its capacity.
Original Story:
PIERCE – Widespread evacuations are underway in Pierce.
The North Fork of the Elkhorn River has swelled past its banks and has overtopped the levees in Osmond. Residents are being asked to leave their homes.
Pierce residents living east of Brown Street and east of Highway 13 to Mill Street are asked to go to the Pierce Elementary School.
Pierce City officials say they are currently going door-to-door to alert residents in the affected area.
Meanwhile over 40 residents from the Pierce Manor assisted living center are in the process of being evacuated to the Pierce City Auditorium.
The river is currently forecast to exceed record levels at some point overnight.
Once the river reaches 16 feet it will overtop the levee something that county officials say has never happened.
Similar conditions exist in Randolph. The Cedar County Emergency Manager ordered evacuation of low lying areas in Randolph around 1 p.m. today. Randolph residents are asked to report to the City Auditorium.
