Date: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 10:59:34 EDT
Summary: USGS crews respond to statewide flooding in Iowa
Flooding is occurring in many areas of Iowa. Most areas of the state received several rapid 2-inch rain events in the last couple days with some areas receiving more than six inches of rain according to National Weather Service (NWS) estimates. Six inches of rain fell in Cedar Rapids during a 14 hour period causing evacuations according the Des Moines Register (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2014/07/01/storms-pack-lethal-punch/11831275/). The Iowa Governor has declared five counties in Iowa state disaster areas. The rivers most affected are the Iowa, Cedar, Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa, and South Skunk Rivers. Currently, 32 USGS streamgages are above the NWS flood stage. Provisional readings indicate seven USGS streamgages equaled or exceeded the peaks of record, including two locations with over 50 years of record.
USGS flood activities include field operations by seven crews (two people in each crew) making discharge measurements, inspecting streamgages, and collecting water-quality samples. Two individuals remain in the office to assist in flood coordination, extend/change rating curves, and communicating information to partners. Measurements are being provided to the NWS and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information is also being posted on the USGS Iowa Water Science Center Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Iowa WaterWatch flood table
Iowa WaterWatch flood map