Levy north of Ashland breached, residents evacuated

Late Saturday night Saunders County Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation order for five communities along the Platte River anticipating an imminent levy failure.

Saunders County Emergency Manager Terry Miller said the levy just north of Ashland was breached Saturday night.

First responders worked for several hours evacuating residents from Thomas Lake, Lake Allure, Big Sandy, Sandy Pointe Lake, and Wann.

Miller said after the levy failed water began rushing into those communities and is still pouring in.

Officials expect water levels to crest sometime Sunday afternoon, but say they don’t have a time table for when residents will be able to return.

They’re asking residents to be patient and not go around barricades blocking off flooded areas. Right now there is no time table for when residents will be allowed back to their homes.