Willow Creek flood update: Borough offers evacuation and re-entry assistance

Flooding on Willow Creek Saturday night and Sunday has led to seven families being evacuated, with five people taking shelter at the Willow Community Center.

Late Saturday night, an ice jam caused water to rise.  Mat-Su Borough Director of Emergency Services Ken Barkley says, as of Sunday afternoon, the flooding has directly impacted some homes, and others may be at risk.

“Three of the homes acutally had water flowing through…so three of them do have some water damage.  The other homes are just in danger.  The water level has come up in their yards or around their vehicles, but not into the homes.”

On Saturday night, residences west of the Deneki (deh-NECK-ee) Bridge were being evacuated.  As of 3:00 pm on Sunday, residences north of the bridge were being asked to leave the area.  Barkley says the bridge will be impassible for the next few days until the situation stabilizes.  Mechanical solutions to the flooding are being investigated.  The bridge itself is closed, and borough officials say trying to cross it could be life-threatening.

Willow Fire Department, Mat-Su Animal Care, and the Mat-Su Water Rescue Team are on hand to assist those impacted by the flood. Assistance is being offered to those attempting to leave the area as well as those attempting to re-enter during daylight hours from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm today.  The number to call for those seeking assistance is 907-355-9819.  After that time, those needing assistance should call 911 with your location and the number of people and animals needing evacuation.

No deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of the flooding.