City of Moscow preparation and flood response
February 16, 2017
February 16, 2017 (Moscow, Idaho)—Moscow Public Works Crews have been out since the early morning hours placing sandbags in vulnerable areas of the community in response to localized flooding. Preparation for the current response, however, has been longstanding and is ongoing.
The City has been proactive in developing a partnership with the US National Weather Service based out of Spokane in order to receive updates on forecasted conditions and to regularly provide data back to the Center to aid in their data trending efforts. A tiered response has been developed to address concerns at three levels of flooding. Water level measurements that dictate the level of response are taken at a local United States Geological Survey monitoring station located at Perimeter drive and Highway 8 (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/uv?site_no=13346800). Response is escalated as needed based on water levels and other factors that may include ice, debris or other on the ground issues. Additional staff is available for elevated responses from the Moscow Parks, Police and Fire Departments.
Currently, Moscow has initiated its Incident Command process and will expand as needed to respond to events. There is no flooding of the South Fork of the Palouse River, only localized flooding of Paradise Creek which at this time appears to have crested and is starting to recede. There is the possibility of additional heavy rain cells passing over Moscow which will be monitored. The City also maintains a supply of at least 2,000 sand bags for flooding events. The sands bags are used in City responses and are available for residents. The resident sandbag station is set up and available for use at the Moscow City Shop at 650 N. Van Buren.
Residents with particular concerns are encouraged to call 208.883.7097 or, in case of emergency, dial 911.
Story Contact: Tyler Palmer, Deputy Director - Operations
Phone: 208.883.7096
Email: tpalmer@ci.moscow.id.us
The City has been proactive in developing a partnership with the US National Weather Service based out of Spokane in order to receive updates on forecasted conditions and to regularly provide data back to the Center to aid in their data trending efforts. A tiered response has been developed to address concerns at three levels of flooding. Water level measurements that dictate the level of response are taken at a local United States Geological Survey monitoring station located at Perimeter drive and Highway 8 (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/uv?site_no=13346800). Response is escalated as needed based on water levels and other factors that may include ice, debris or other on the ground issues. Additional staff is available for elevated responses from the Moscow Parks, Police and Fire Departments.
Currently, Moscow has initiated its Incident Command process and will expand as needed to respond to events. There is no flooding of the South Fork of the Palouse River, only localized flooding of Paradise Creek which at this time appears to have crested and is starting to recede. There is the possibility of additional heavy rain cells passing over Moscow which will be monitored. The City also maintains a supply of at least 2,000 sand bags for flooding events. The sands bags are used in City responses and are available for residents. The resident sandbag station is set up and available for use at the Moscow City Shop at 650 N. Van Buren.
Residents with particular concerns are encouraged to call 208.883.7097 or, in case of emergency, dial 911.
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Story Contact: Tyler Palmer, Deputy Director - Operations
Phone: 208.883.7096
Email: tpalmer@ci.moscow.id.us
