Flooding Update: Iowa River Begins to Drop, Iowa City Still Wary of Water Level Near Rocky Shore Drive

From City of Iowa City

The United States Army Corps of Engineers reports that the Coralville Reservoir fell slightly over the last 24 hours and is now at 708.27. The reservoir pool peaked yesterday afternoon at 708.44, nearly four feet below the spillway. This morning, Thursday, June 6, inflows were 17,400 cubic feet per second (cfs), with outflows of 18,200 cfs. 

The National Weather Service advises that the current weather pattern should remain quiet through the morning of Saturday, June 8, with scattered showers in the area and only 1/10 inch rain. There is potential for one inch of rain and thunderstorms across the Iowa River Basin Saturday night into Sunday, June 9.

City officials continue to monitor Rocky Shore Drive at CRANDIC Park, which is about one inch away from taking on water. Iowa Avenue by the railroad underpass, South Gilbert Street and the Riverside Drive/River Street intersection are also being monitored. With current weather conditions, these locations should remain accessible, though additional rainfall may impact travel on these roads. 

With the Iowa Arts Festival taking place this weekend, residents and visitors are reminded that due to flooding, N. Dubuque Street is closed from Foster Road to Park Road. The recommended detour route into Downtown is N. Dodge Street (Highway 1), including the Interstate 80 interchange.

Johnson County residents who have experienced property damage to homes or businesses are encouraged to submit their damage reports to Johnson County at www.johnson-county.com. From the home page, click on "2013 Flood Information." Under the "Useful Information" section, click "Damage Assessment Reporting." State and federal authorities use data regarding damage to public and private property to determine whether an area qualifies for certain forms of assistance. 

Iowa City officials will continue to closely monitor Iowa River and area creek levels. The City has created a web page to keep citizens updated with the latest flood-related information and provide additional resources. To stay up-to-date on the latest news, visit http://www.icgov.org/flood and follow the City of Iowa City on Twitter http://twitter.com/cityofiowacity or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-City-of-Iowa-City-Government/267660140000321.