Omaha city leaders said this weekend’s flooding is just the beginning of a long, historic summer. Several areas from Bellevue to Omaha were under water Friday as the Missouri River continues to rise.

The National Weather Service said the water level near Omaha was at 28 feet. It was expected to rise to 28.6 feet by Saturday morning.

The river topped a record 30 feet in 1993, but officials said that record could be broken by the end of June.

“We’re probably looking at a 33-34 foot range,” said Paul Johnson, of Douglas County Emergency Management.

City officials are now taking preventative measures, filling thousands of sandbags. Increased levels expected over the coming weeks will make for record flooding conditions.

In the mean time, area hotels have been participating and assisting in the housing of locals who have been displaced from the rising waters.

Hotel Deco XV, a luxury hotel in downtown Omaha has been assisting  in the housing and bedding of those in crisis.  Many of the Hotels in the area have been assisting Emergency Managers and will continue to throughout the remaining time of this flood.

Waters are expected to remain high for the next few weeks.  During this time their assistance will be instrumental in the recovery from this years flooding.