Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Communities across eastern Iowa are bracing for extensive flooding through early next week as multiple rivers approach or exceed major flood stage, threatening roads, farmland, and neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, flood warnings remain in effect for the Cedar, Iowa, English, Wapsipinicon, Skunk, and North Skunk rivers, impacting more than a dozen counties including Linn, Louisa, Johnson, and Muscatine. Major flooding is forecast along the Wapsipinicon River near De Witt, with water expected to overtop Old U.S. Highway 61 by this evening. In Cedar Rapids, the Cedar River is projected to reach 14.4 feet by early Sunday, flooding the lowest sections of C Street SW.
In Kalona, the English River will crest at 18.4 feet Friday morning, closing 130th Street, Kiwi Avenue, Orange Avenue, and Poplar Avenue, while backing water into the north side of town. The Iowa River near Lone Tree and Wapello, and the Skunk River at Augusta, will bring additional road closures and impacts to rural access and residential areas. Many parks, such as River Junction Access Park, are now closed due to high water…