Lochbaum's biggest concern is a break in one of the six major Missouri River dams. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made assurances the dams are safe.

"It depends on how far (the water has to travel) and how much water," Lochbaum said.

In an effort to address rumors and public concern, the Journal Star submitted this list of questions to OPPD and NPPD:

Q: People see photos of Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station surrounded by water and dikes near Cooper Nuclear Station being overtopped near Brownville. Are these plants at risk from the Missouri River floods?

OPPD: If you look closely in the photos, our plant, our substation and other buildings are dry behind berms, sandbag walls and AquaDams. The plant is secure from water to the 1,014 feet above sea level elevation (the river is now at 1,006). It also has diesel generators and additional fuel staged to provide power from on site.