News : Friday flood update: Barriers completed; forecast slightly revised downward

It could be worse... and was in 2008; at 24.7 feet.

Crews and volunteers, including many AmeriCorps members, made quick work of the sand barriers that now surround the Vinton fire station and the Vinton Municipal Electrical Utility buildings. The barriers include a long open area that leads out of the flood plain so that utility and public safety officials can enter the area in their vehicles.

VMEU purchased the Hesco barriers as part of the flood mitigation program it worked with FEMA to prevent the kind of damage that occurred in 2008. That flooed destroyed generators, causing more than $1 million in losses.

Barriers to remain for few weeks

During a meeting of city and county officials, the consensus was that the Hesco barriers would remain in place for the next few weeks, until the river level has lowered enough to drasitcally reduce the risk of flooding. This will affect traffic movement on some streets.

Latest forecast: 20.5

Benton County EMA Director Scott Hansen said that the National Weather Service has revised downward its flood forecast. The most recent prediction is a crest of 20.5 feet, expected at around 10 p.m. Saturday.

See the NWS forecast page HERE.