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Colorado flood runoff rushes toward Nebraska

As Colorado copes with rising floodwaters, the runoff rolled toward Nebraska on Wednesday.

By CAROLINE LEE, UPI.com
Colorado Army National Guardsmen from the 2nd Battalion 135th General Support Aviation at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., and civilian rescue personnel unload evacuated residents from Colorado flood zones. As Colorado begins recovery efforts, Nebraska is preparing to be hit by the runoff. (UPI/Colorado National Guard/Sgt. Joseph K. VonNida)
Colorado Army National Guardsmen from the 2nd Battalion 135th General Support Aviation at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., and civilian rescue personnel unload evacuated residents from Colorado flood zones. As Colorado begins recovery efforts, Nebraska is preparing to be hit by the runoff. (UPI/Colorado National Guard/Sgt. Joseph K. VonNida)

As Colorado copes with a flood that left six dead and hundreds stranded, runoff has begun to roll toward Nebraska early Wednesday morning.

Residents are preparing for a potential overflow as runoff courses into neighboring Nebraska towns.

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"The exact crest stages are still uncertain as the waters are just moving into Nebraska," the National Weather Service said.

"It is possible that upcoming forecasts could change so those along the river should stay tuned for updated information."

The floodwater is spilling into the South Platte River, which runs from the south of Denver into Nebraska.

In 2010, the Platte River felt the burden of severe ice jams caused by freezing temperatures and low water levels. Now, the river is likely to catch the aftermath of Colorado's flooding.

Sandbagging and emergency levees are being put up at the Nebraska-Colorado border to protect towns at risk, including Roscoe, Paxton, North Platte and Brady.

Record flooding is anticipated, with some parts of Nebraska seeing their greatest water levels in 80 years.

Flooding started September 11 following heavy rains in Colorado and affected at least 17 counties, and waters have destroyed 1,500 homes and damaged 4,500 more.

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About 300 people remain unaccounted, but police suspect that those on the unaccounted list are likely alive and well.

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