LINCOLN — Flooding along the Missouri River is prompting Nebraska’s governor to take action.

Gov. Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency on Monday afternoon for all counties along the Missouri River. The declaration frees up state funds and resources to help address the flooding in order to protect lives and property.

Also on Monday afternoon, Pillen joined with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to issue a joint request for people to stay off the Missouri River in the coming days. The request described the message as urgent and said it was informed by emergency management officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Now is not the time to be on the water. In addition to higher-than-normal flow, there’s also the potential for more debris in the water, which poses a significant risk to anyone on the Missouri,” the request said. “It’s best to wait until levels return to normal to resume regular activities.”

Flooding comes after excessive rain in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Sioux Falls, S.D. reported 7 inches of rain and Rock Rapids, Iowa reported 11 inches over the weekend. The swelling rivers have shut down major roads in those states and even pulled down a train bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa.