Flooding impacts Lincoln businesses, forces boat evacuation

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — Heavy rain sent water rushing through the area near 11th Street and Cornhusker Highway Wednesday night, surrounding businesses, overflowing a nearby creek and forcing at least one business owner to evacuate by boat.

Fang Yu, manager and part owner of the Domino’s near the intersection, was inside filling orders as heavy rain fell outside.

Yu said she was surprised by how much water came inside when a delivery driver returned and opened the door. Still, she continued working until rescue workers came inside and told her she needed to leave.

“They said, ‘you guys need to go.’ That’s it,” Yu said. “I said, ‘I can’t. I need to do my job.’”

Yu said she had not realized how dangerous conditions had become outside. Rescue workers took her through the flooded area by boat and across the street to safety.

“I was a little scared,” Yu said. “Because the waters kept going and fast, and I don’t think I can stand in there.”

Yu said it was an experience she never thought would happen to her.

Right next door at Jimmy’s Liquor and Tobacco, owner Dakhil Meskin said the creek behind the businesses was overflowing, with water rushing through the area like a river.

Meskin said water began coming through the front door, prompting him and another worker to put rags along the door to try to keep more water out.

The flooding also left visible damage across the street, where part of the road near Z-Trip collapsed into the creek.

By Thursday morning, the water had gone down significantly. Meskin and Yu both found only a couple of small puddles inside their businesses.

Workers in the area said they felt lucky the damage wasn’t worse.