Flood Update ~

FLOOD UPDATES & ADVISORIES:

The City of Iowa City is strongly discouraging all non-essential travel. Motorists are encouraged to stay off all city streets and to walk/bicycle when possible. All City-sponsored events have been cancelled for this coming weekend, June 14-15. The only river crossings currently open are Benton Street, Burlington Street, and I-80. Benton Street and Burlington Street are expected to be closed within the next couple of days, resulting in the inability to travel between east and west Iowa City. Functions needing to operate in east Iowa City should prepare to be staged in east Iowa City; those functions needing to operate in west Iowa City should prepare to be staged in west Iowa City.

Effective immediately, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, volunteer sandbaggers in east Iowa City should report to the Volunteer Staging Location at Regina High School on Rochester Avenue. Volunteers will park at Regina and be transported by bus to locations where they are needed. Volunteers in west Iowa City should report to the volunteer staging location at the University Commuter Parking Lot on Hawkeye Park Road north of West High School and be transported by bus to locations where they are needed. Buses will leave on the hour.

Volunteers should not try to drive themselves to sandbagging locations and should not attempt to cross the river to reach one of the staging locations. Advisory to volunteers and to all residents of Iowa City: If you live in east Iowa City, stay in east Iowa City; if you live in west Iowa City, stay in west Iowa City. Sight-seers and spectators should stay away from flooded areas.

RELEASE FROM CITY OF IOWA CITY 2 p.m.
Army Corps of Engineers staff informed Iowa City staff Friday morning, June 13, that the current water level of the Coralville Reservoir is 715.9 feet, 3.9 feet over the spillway. The level in the Reservoir is expected to peak at 717.7 at midnight on June 16th. Inflows to the Reservoir are peaking today, Friday, June 13, with an estimated 50,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) inflow. Possible maximum flow expected during this flood event in the Iowa City area is 44,000 cfs, expected late Monday, June 16. This correlates to an additional 4-1/2 to 5 feet of additional water. Additional rain may add to and delay the peak. The maximum flow experience in 1993 was 28,200 cfs. The flood of 2008 is now anticipated to be near or exceed a 500-year flood event.

URGENT NOTICE TO RESIDENTS ALREADY AFFECTED BY FLOOD AND TO THOSE ADJACENT TO THE FLOODPLAIN
The flood of 2008 has now exceeded water levels experienced in the flood of 1993. Properties adjoining those directly affected in 1993 are now vulnerable to inundation. Owners of property in the 500-year floodplain should be aware of the imminent flooding of their property and make plans for evacuation now.

Residents and property owners in flood-prone areas are urged to continue their protective actions. At this point in time, it is vitally important to start planning now for evacuation. If your property is on or near the floodplain, do not wait for mandatory evacuation. Sandbag levees should not give a false sense of security to residents and property owners. If they should fail, it becomes a dangerous situation where people can become stranded and lives are put at risk attempting rescues. City efforts are now focusing on protecting vital public infrastructure.

When leaving a home/business prior to a flood, it is important to shut off the gas, electricity and water service. Please remember to shut off your main water valve if evacuating. This prevents river water from contaminating the water system. Put a sand bag over the floor drain on the basement level before you leave. The City does not have the resources to assist with moving personal belongings. Remove your vehicle from floodprone areas to higher ground for possible evacuation. There are informational links on evacuation procedures at www.icgov.org/riverwatch. Please access these instructions while there is still internet access. Advice can also be given over the phone by calling 887-6202 (24/7).

Red Cross Disaster Assistance: The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Bldg. A of the Johnson Co. Fairgrounds (3149 Old Hwy. 218 So.). This shelter offers food and housing to those displaced by the flood. Those individuals who need assistance with shelter or other needs can call the Red Cross at 319-393-3500.

The City of Iowa City has sand and sand bags available at the City Equipment Building, 1200 S. Riverside Drive. The bags will be located in the parking lot past the fuel pumps – look for signs.

-- Rebecca Neades, Vice President & Director of Public Policy