PHOTOS: Flooding in eastern Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Authorities in eastern Nebraska are working to limit the damage as flooding begins along the Missouri River.

In Washington County, just north of Omaha, some roads and fields were already underwater on Tuesday.

The river at Blair is forecast to crest at 31.5 feet on Wednesday night, according to the National Water Prediction Service. That would be just 2 feet shy of the flooding record there.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen declares emergency in counties along Missouri River

Downstream, The Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue is aiming to prevent a repeat of 2019, when one-third of the base was flooded.

The 55th Wing said it is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build up Offutt’s flood defenses.

“Learning from the challenges of the 2011 and 2019 floods, we have implemented advanced flood management strategies to ensure the highest level of preparedness and protection for our base and its assets,” Col. Mark Howard, commander of the 55th Wing, said in a press release. “Our commitment to readiness and resilience stands firm as we monitor the approaching flood waters from the Missouri River, prepared for any scenario.”