Flooding in Blackfoot causes sewer backup

A severe thunderstorm brought flash flooding to the city of Blackfoot on Wednesday afternoon.

The flooding has prompted Mayor Paul Loomis to ask people in the Blackfoot, Groveland and Moreland areas to try to eliminate the amount of water they use until midnight, as the sewer system is “completely backed up,” Bingham County Dispatch said around 5:40 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. A flash flood watch remains in effect through Thursday.

Around 3:20 p.m., police sent out a phone alert to people warning them to stay out of Blackfoot.

Several streets saw pooling and flooding water.

Reports into Local News 8 say several cars are stalled out in water. More than a foot of water was reported at the Ridley’s Supermarket parking lot.

Bingham County emergency management coordinator Scott Reese says sand bags are being made available to residents at the west end of the state fairgrounds near the concession area.

He reports flooding throughout Blackfoot with water entering homes and apartments in many areas.

There are also many stranded cars and manhole covers that have come off throughout the town.

We have a crew on the way and will have more information as it becomes available.