UPDATE: Storm clean up continues, Riley County Transfer station open

RILEY COUNTY —According to officials Anneberg Park and all soft-surface trails will remain closed until surfaces dry, debris is removed, and repairs can be made. No ballfields at any of the parks will be open for practice or play because of the soggy turf. Anneberg is currently without power or restroom facilities.

Bridges will continue to be periodically inspected to ensure safety.

Crews are working to remove debris from the storm sewer. Street sweepers are clearing mud and debris. Please be courteous of these vehicles as they work to clear the roadway.

At this time the City of Manhattan will not be conducting a mass pick up of debris or household items. The City will pick up debris for flood affected areas only. The Riley County Transfer station is currently open for people to dispose of items.

The storm generated 6-9″ of rainfall. Floods in 2009 and 2011 resulted in 3-5″ of rainfall. Water levels for this storm went beyond map projections for a 100 year flood.

28 people stayed in the emergency shelters last night.. Poliska Lane is the only area that still has standing water, according to the Riley County Police Department. It will be closed until next week when repairs can be made after conditions have dried.

People who want to help, should contact the Red Cross in Manhattan.

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RILEY COUNTY —Bridges have been inspected and declared safe for travel. Fort Riley Blvd and Scenic Drive are open again. The only remaining road closures are S. Manhattan Ave and Moehlman Rd. at Hunter’s Island. USD 383 will have school Tuesday with change to the bus schedule.

Rescue stats from @ManhattanFD for people removed by boat, dumptruck or person: Redbud 60 people; Highland Ridge 16 people, Gardenway 50 plus 20 pets, Village/Whitetail 26 people and 4 pets.

MANHATTAN —Riley County Emergency Management, the Manhattan Fire Department, City of Manhattan, Kansas – Municipal GovernmentPublic Works and RCPD were notified around 4:30 AM that the water in Keats was rapidly rising after overnight rainfall.

photo of the Labor Day flooding from RCPD

The Corps of Engineers reports rainfall around 8.9 inches and around 3-4 inches in Riley. That water then came down Wildcat Creek.

Roads were blocked off and residents were notified at that time to evacuate if they lived in the areas near the flooded roadways.

There is an Emergency Evacuation Shelter set up at Pottorf Hall located at 1710 Avery. They ARE taking pets. If you would like to donate relief items please contact the Red Cross.

There are efforts underway to set up a second shelter. Right now there are around 300 people displaced. The number of homes affected is not known at this time. An assessment will be done later today to determine that number.

There are areas where the water is receding, however there are still some areas where the water levels are rising. Please do not go through high water areas, it is NOT safe.

If you need help, in case of an emergency, always call 911. If you need assistance, but it is not an emergency, please call our administrative line at (785) 537-2112. We encourage anyone who is stranded or in need of rescue to please call.

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The Corps of Engineers reported rainfall around 8.9 inches and around 3-4 inches fell in Riley overnight. Riley County Emergency Management, the Manhattan Fire Department, Public Works and RCPD were notified around 4:30 AM that the water in Wildcat Creek was rapidly rising. More rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours and emergency services will continue to monitor the situation.

Roads were blocked off early this morning and residents were notified at that time to evacuate if they lived in the affected areas. It is estimated that 300 people have been affected by flooding at this point.
Areas currently flooded include: Garden Way, Highland Ridge, Red Bud, and Hunter’s Island. If you live near Wildcat Creek, take precaution as additional flooding will be possible if rain continues.

Rescue stats from Manhattan Fire Department for people removed by boat, dumptruck or person are as follows: Redbud 60 people; Highland Ridge 16 people, Gardenway 50 plus 20 pets, Village/Whitetail 26 people and 4 pets.

Riley County ATA bus has also been assisting with rescue efforts, transporting evacuees to shelter locations.

An emergency shelter has been set up in Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park, located at 1710 Avery Drive. Pets are being accepted at this time. To check on relatives in emergency shelters, please use the website https://safeandwell.communityos.org.

A second emergency shelter is being established at Bramlage Coliseum. Affected students should contact student life stulife@ksu.edu with concerns about housing or classes. An emergency displaced student help center has been set up in the Union today. Students who need transportation, housing, or help with personal items should call 785-395-7233.

Public Works crews are working from west to east to clear debris from roadways. KDOT will inspect closed bridges this afternoon to see if they are safe to be reopened.
The Keats area is also experiencing some flooding, so residents living in these areas should take precautions to protect themselves.

Volunteers and donations are not needed at this time. If you would like to donate relief items please contact the Red Cross directly.