At least four people have been killed in flooding caused by the “bomb cyclone” storm that hit the Midwest. Billions of dollars in damages are expected. And the economic impact – including to the trucking industry – will far outlast the flood waters.
The storm started picking up in earnest over a week ago. Yet, according to the National Weather Service, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota are still facing “historic to catastrophic flooding.”
It wasn’t just the historic rainfall that made the situation so dire. In much of the area, heavy rains and a fast freeze early in the winter meant that the ground was already saturated with water and unable to soak up the rain. Combined with snow melt from a particular cold and snowy winter, the waters from the bomb cyclone breached levies all over the region, but especially along the Mississippi and Missouri flood plains.
Disaster relief efforts have prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to declare a state of emergency in 16 states and suspend Hours of Service (HOS) regulations for trucks hauling relief supplies.
Despite the unprecedented current level of destruction, somehow flooding is expected to get even worse and spread to other states. Already though, the economic cost is in the billions.
In Nebraska alone, the estimate currently stands at $1.4 billion in losses and damage, with $449 million in damage to infrastructure alone. Those numbers don’t even include the loss of expected future income. For example, farmers in Nebraska expect to see an estimated $400 million in cattle losses and $440 million in crop losses.
Many homes and small businesses have been destroyed. Historically speaking, 40% of businesses that close due to natural disasters like flooding never reopen. Homes were destroyed in some areas where flooding hadn’t happened before. Since most homeowners in those areas didn’t have flood insurance, many will not be able to afford to rebuild.
All of this will translate into income never earned, orders never placed, and – for trucking – loads never hauled. Even the emergency supplies are difficult to deliver as many roadways have been damaged or even remain underwater.
While the death toll has thankfully been low so far, the scale of the disaster is staggering.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a disaster this widespread in Nebraska,” Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts said.
Source: truckinginfo, overdrive, overdrive, ttnews, ttnews, reuters, usatoday, usatoday, pbs, nytimes
Image Source: FMCSA
Trolo says
Nebraska infrastructure eas already bad worst roads and worst rest areas in North America
Sarcastic says
Don’t know what you mean. Can fit a whopping 5 trucks at most rest areas, even seen 6 in some! And the room for ramp parking if needed is unreal!! I really love that state, almost as much as the North East coast with their super wide lanes……
Kelly says
You must not go to IN, MI, or some of OH. Especially the IN, OH toll road and I69. NE isn’t bad compared to that and they don’t charge you for crap highway.
BarryB says
That simply is not true. Nebraska ha sbetter facilities than most and enogh taxes to keep the roads in good shape. I trucked across the nation for 10 years recentlyand there are much worse states.
Trlo, you obviously don’t truck OTR
Michelle says
This article focuses on the short term ill effects. There are also long term good effects. I do not wish disaster on anyone, but when the recovery starts, replacement goods, supplies, and equipment will be shipped to the area like crazy. As with any natural disaster, once the relief and insurance money starts flowing, so will the goods, and so will the trucks.
Until then, may all who live in the affected area stay safe, and maintain hope.
Michelle Harris says
These farmers who have cattle say they lost money what about the animals lives don’t they matter and besides all you fucks who call yourselves farmers I’m the government will bail you out which in turn that means I will be paying it 😡 so boo hoo grow up
Michael Verley says
You bet the lives of the animals matter Michelle it matters bcuz I bet the loss of cattle will be very high which will raise the price of beef up again & they will claim a shortage. Those cattle that died were to be butchered to feed families thru out the country. So yes of course it mattered.
Hunnerbunner says
B O M B C Y C L O N E
Jason says
I mean, if you moved to/live in a place called a “flood plain” or “tornado alley”, I’m just really not gonna have anything sympathy for you when you get hit with flooding or a tornado….
Seriously! says
Some of the comments here are stupid and made by useless f$%@s! This article was about the devastation in the area and the economic impact it will have long term! It’s not about lives of cattle or road conditions or truck parking! US REAL truckers WILL be there to help rebuild WITHOUT complaints. The rest of you stay the hell out of our way!