Flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, as the flood continues to rise in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Cedar River, which runs through the center of town, is expected to rise to 24.5', well above historic levels. Parts of the town have been evacuated and the rest of us just sit and watch the huge and hungry river rise and begin to devour our town.Original Source : http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/flooding-cedar-rapids-iowa
Cedar Rapids Holds for Historic River Crest
More than 3,900 homes were evacuated and part of downtown Cedar Rapids was under water Thursday as Iowa splashed through another day of flooding.
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Officials estimated that 100 blocks in Cedar Rapids were under water.
"We're seeing very substantial flooding," said Craig Hanson, the city's public works maintenance manager.
Cedar Rapids' problems came a day after frantic sandbagging enabled the upstream cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo to narrowly avoid widespread flooding.
Despite several days spent preparing for the approaching high water, Cedar Rapids couldn't avoid widespread evacuations. Rescuers had to use boats to reach many of the residents stranded in nearly 4,000 homes.
"It's going door to door to make sure people don't need to be rescued, cause right now they can't get out on their own," said Dave Koch, a spokesman for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. "It's just too deep."
In downtown, flood waters neared the top of stop signs and cars were nearly covered in water. People could be seen dragging suitcases up closed highway exit ramps to escape the water.
More Info @ Original Source : http://abcnews.go.com/US/Weather/story?id=5056646&page=1
