Omaha, Nebraska – Thunderstorms are set to drench eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, raising the risk of dangerous flash flooding through Wednesday morning. Residents in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs could see rapid rises in creeks and street flooding as heavy rain moves through the region overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Flood Watch covers much of eastern Nebraska and all of southwest Iowa until 10 a.m. Wednesday. Slow-moving storms may drop rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour, particularly in flood-prone urban areas and low-lying neighborhoods. Cities including Bellevue, Fremont, Norfolk, and Red Oak are all under alert.
Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads and prepare for possible detours or road closures, especially along major thoroughfares like I-80, Highway 75, and local county routes. Emergency managers advise charging devices, gathering supplies, and staying tuned for further updates or potential Flash Flood Warnings through the night. If flooding develops, move to higher ground and never drive through standing water.
This heavy rainfall event is reminiscent of July 2021, when similar storms triggered road closures and power outages across the Omaha metro area. Officials remind residents that more advisories could be issued as storms develop.
Flood Watch conditions are expected to persist into Wednesday morning. Check for the latest alerts, and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued overnight.
