Recent heavy rains in northeast Wyoming and northwest Nebraska has caused flash flooding along the Niobrara River communities of Lusk and Manville, Wyoming.  Reports say the river ran over its banks around 2:30 Thursday morning and flooded the main street of Lusk.

Niobrara County Emergency Management Coordinator James Santistevan says water covered about 4 city blocks,  knocked out the town’s drinking water system and caused a bridge north of town to partially collaspe.  Local law enforcement also ordered an evacuation of the City of Lusk around 6 am.  Other reports say all major roads in and out of Lusk are closed, including about 130 miles of U.S. 85 from Lingle to Newcastle, Wyoming and U.S. 18-20 from Orin Junction to the Nebraska line.  State officals say water is covering some low laying areas of Highway 20 in Nebraska and The Niobrara River is reportedly up to 2 miles wide in certain points.