NILES ­— On Monday, city officials announced that the St. Joseph River measured 14.41 feet at 3 p.m. The river forecast model continues to show that the river will remain above flood stage until 6 a.m. March 2.

While the floodwaters continue to recess, the city urged ongoing caution in and around the flooded areas. City staff ask that people remember that floodwaters conceal hazards and are often deep with swift currents. Floodwaters also contain contaminates and debris which can be dangerous and harmful to health, officials said. Residents are advised not to approach downed powerlines, flood debris or other potentially dangerous obstacles.

City leaders are working with Berrien County Emergency Operations Management on flood remediation efforts. Emergency management teams are currently deployed throughout the county, including in Niles, and are assessing flooded areas for emergencies, infrastructure, property, building and other damage.

In coordination with the Southeast Berrien County Landfill, the city will be providing trash dumpsters throughout the impacted neighborhoods. This service is being offered at no cost between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, March 1 and between 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 2. Prohibited materials include: free liquids, paints or solvents, cement, bricks or concrete, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners (refrigerants), household or outside chemicals.

There will be a special dumpster in each neighborhood for vegetation including brush, leaves, grass or dirt. Those who wish to help on dumpster days should call or email Sanya Vitale at (269) 683-4700 ext 3020 communitydevelopment@nilesmi.org.

City staff met Monday to discuss municipal services and buildings that were affected and damaged as part of this record flooding. Affected municipally owned areas include Riverfront Park between the YMCA and Fort Street, including the IN-Ml River valley Trail, Island Park, Pucker Street Dam Park, the city’s Waste Water Plant which continues to operate at full capacity and the city’s bus system, Dial-A-Ride, which is temporarily operating out of city’s Law Enforcement Complex, as well as a number of local roads and sidewalks.

Until city engineers inspect for structural damage that could cause the roads and trails to collapse, they asked residents not to cross barriers and other road blocks. This process may take seven to 14 days as it is important that the areas are carefully inspected for the safety of the community and those traveling along the roads and trails.

Anyone who observes damage to a road in the flood zone or other municipal infrastructure is asked to call the city of Niles and report their observations. The city can be reached at (269) 683-4700 extension 3011.