By Katie Copple
Published: Jun. 22, 2024 at 9:01 AM CDT
UPDATE (NOON, SUNDAY JUNE 23)
SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) - We’ve written up a new article on the latest information from Spencer. Follow this link to read the latest.
PREVIOUS (9:30 P.M.)
SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) - The mayor of Spencer, Iowa has issued a curfew within the city that starts Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 p.m. and goes until 6 a.m. Sunday, June 23.
According to a press release, rescue by emergency personnel has been stopped so they can focus on urgent resident needs, such as medical emergencies. Spencer officials say law enforcement and fire rescue personnel will be on standby throughout the night.
The opened shelters have food and water available to those staying at those locations only. Shelters have been opened at Faith Pentecostal, SS Collision, John Deere, First Congregational Church, and Iowa Lakes Community College.
“We will have a disbursem*nt center set up soon when supplies can be brought in. Anyone going to the shelter needs to take their personal medications with them in their bottles. Those without medication access should alert shelter staff at check-in for assessment of immediate needs,” said Spencer officials in a press release.
Residents can call the Spencer Emergency Call Center at (712) 264-8407 for non-medical emergency information.
There have been sporadic power outages throughout the rest of the city, without Southwest Spencer reporting a total outage earlier Saturday. Residents should stay home and not attempt to address or approach any downed power lines.
Additionally, the Spencer Waste Water Treatment Facility is without power, with officials urging people to refrain from using their toilet, shower, bathtub, washing machine and dishwasher. Water is still safe to drink, according to officials.
As a safety precaution, Black Hills Energy plans to turn off gas services to customers in Spencer. When that will happen is still being determined. Black Hills Energy says they will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with emergency response officials. The company will provide updates on its website at www.blackhillsenergy.com and on its social media platforms.
PREVIOUS (3 P.M.)
SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) - Emergency crews have been working through the night and into Saturday afternoon as they have been responding to the flooding in Spencer, Iowa.
Heavy rainfall has led to historic flood levels from the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan Rivers. Because of this, all roads in Spencer have been closed.
City officials say this is an emergency situation and residents should shelter in place if they can.
The city’s sewer plant has been inundated and is inoperable and sewer services are expected to be down for the next 24 to 48 hours. Spencer residents should not flush or use water reserves unless absolutely necessary. Updates on the sewer plant will be released later as more information becomes available.
Sandbags are available at Pedersen Park for anyone who needs them. Shelters have been opened on the south side of town at Faith Pentecostal, SS Collision and John Deere. On the north side, the current shelter is First Congregational Church.
Residents can call the Spencer Emergency Call Center at (712) 264-8407 for non-medical emergent information and staff there will triage non-emergency needs.
Southwest Spencer is without power at this time, and on top of that, there have been sporadic power outages throughout the rest of the city. Residents should stay home and not attempt to address or approach any downed power lines.
Additionally, the Spencer Waste Water Treatment Facility is without power, with officials urging people to refrain from using their toilet, shower, bathtub, washing machine and dishwasher. Water is still safe to drink, according to officials.
As a safety precaution, Black Hills Energy plans to turn off gas services to customers in Spencer. When that will happen is still being determined. Black Hills Energy says they will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with emergency response officials. The company will provide updates on its website at www.blackhillsenergy.com and on its social media platforms.
PREVIOUS (11 A.M.)
SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) - The City of Spencer and Veolia have had to shut off power to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. No sewer service for the entire community until further notice.
The City of Spencer, Iowa is urging people to stay away as they battle rising flood waters.
Flood waters are continuing to rise after the area received more rain overnight.
The Clay County Sheriff and Clay County Emergency Management are evacuating some residents in the path of the rising waters.
Residents on the south side of Spencer who need to evacuate their residences can shelter at Faith Pentacostal Church. Residences on the north side can use the Spencer YMCA.
The City of Spencer putting out an urgent message to stay away from the city.
The Little Sioux River runs through the community.
This is a developing story. Stay with KTIV News 4 for the latest.
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