Storms Push Streams, Rivers To Near Flood Stage

More Storms Expected Over Southeast Iowa

POSTED: 9:16 am CDT May 13, 2005
UPDATED: 3:27 pm CDT May 13, 2005

DES MOINES, Iowa -- This week's storms are filling up rivers and creeks across Iowa, pushing some to near flood stage.

It's not over yet, but drier weather is on the way. More thunderstorms are possible again Friday, especially over southeast Iowa. However, a flash flood watch issued for much of the southern half of Iowa has now been canceled.

Some of the rivers being watched include the east and west forks of the Des Moines River in northern Iowa, the Raccoon River in central Iowa, and the Iowa River and the North Skunk River in eastern Iowa. The rain has set a daily record in Des Moines.

The forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday. Dry conditions are is expected Saturday night and into the beginning of the next week.

River and Stream Elevations

The Raccoon River at Fleur Drive is forecasted to crest at 15.6 at 1 a.m. on May 14. The river elevation is currently at 14.52 ft. at Fleur Drive.
The Lower Des Moines River at SE 6th is forecasted to crest at 24.90 ft. on May 15 at 1 a.m. Current elevation is 24.31 ft.
The Upper Des Moines River at Second Avenue is forecasted to crest at 20.0 ft. on May 15 at 7 p.m. Current elevation is 18.01 ft.
Four-Mile Creek crested at 13.15 ft. at 4:15 p.m. Friday. Current elevation is 11.96 ft.
Walnut Creek crested at 12.34 ft. at 11:30 p.m. on May 12. Current elevation is 9.39 ft.

Road Closures:

George Flagg Pkwy. from Park Ave. to SW 30th

SW 30th St. from George Flagg Pkwy. to Bell Avenue

Jefferson from E. 38th to Williams

Mattern from E. 38th to E. 39th Court

E. 37th from Easton to Arthur Avenue

Four-Mile Drive from Jefferson to Williams

Williams St./E. 42nd from Jefferson to Dubuque


Source: City of Des Moines Public Works Department

If it keeps raining like this we may see some flooding. If we get a couple dry days it probably won't flood.