How Upper Midwest Storms Are Contributing to Southeast Iowa's Rivers: Major Flooding

Every storm that goes through the upper Midwest right now directly affects the flood worries of those in southeast Iowa. The Iowa, Cedar and Mississippi rivers are all beginning to flood.

In Wapello, Iowa the Iowa river gets fed by the Cedar river. And, the Mississippi is a few short miles down stream. At the time of this article, highway 99 from Wapello to Oakville is closed and highway 92 at Columbus Junction, 12 miles away, is closed. Officials are keeping a sharp eye on highway 61. The flood waters are continuing to rise.

According to KWQC weather, the Cedar and Iowa rivers are expected to crest at record levels. The Iowa river at Wapello right now is 26'. It is expected to crest at 32.5'. 20' is considered flood stage.

Heavy rains were north of the area today. When the upper Midwest gets heavy rain, the run-off swells the lakes and rivers and works it's way south. Residents in Columbus Junction have sand bagged what they can. They have helped people move to higher ground.

In Wapello, Iowa the Solid Rock Baptist church has opened it's doors to displaced residents. They ask that people bring bedding and their medicines.

More rain is forecast for the Upper Midwest Thursday. From Wisconsin to the southern plains severe storms and heavy rains are predicted. Officials as well as residents watch and worry.

Residents of Columbus Junction were helping businesses like Casey's convenience store
and the Louisa County Veterinarian Center move. The Iowa river is expected to crest at 32.5 on Monday. The record crest was at 28.3 in 1993 at Columbus Juntion, Iowa.

Tom Colthurst, Louisa County Emergency Management Director told the Muscatine Journal, "We are in uncharted waters. We have no idea what depth of water to expect or long we will be flooded."

Heavy rains and flooding from the Upper Midwest down mean big problems for Mississippi barge traffic. U.S. Corp of Engineers have closed 250 miles of river to barge traffic. From Fulton, Illinois to Clarksville Missouri. This shutdown is expected to last at least 2 weeks.