Closing all bridges in CR at 8 p.m.

[CornField]

Bridges closing are:
1st Ave (in process of being closed)
2nd Ave
3rd Ave (closed earlier today)
8th Ave
12th Ave (might be closed already -- I know 12th Ave is flooded just up from the bridges)
14th Ave (again, might already be closed)

I believe Edgewood was closed yesterday or the day before.
I'm not sure about the bridge on Blairs Ferry out by Palo, but I know that when we drove that way 2 days ago, the water was nearly over the road. I imagine it's now under.

For those who know the area -- please don't attempt Otis or the Old River Rd -- if they aren't under water already, they will be -- and, worse yet, they are going to erode so you won't know what you're driving into.

The only way to get from one side of the city to the other once the bridges are closed will be I-380 to Hwy 30 to Hwy 13.

Just came back from downtown and it is a royal mess. If you don't have to go there, steer clear. Business owners are trying to get items from their shops, and they can't even park for everyone milling about as spectators.

If you're familiar with the three main downtown bridges (Mays Island), the water is up to the top of the arches on the 3rd Ave bridge -- close to the top on the other two. (I'll post pictures/video as soon as I can get them together.) The underground parking across from Vets Memorial is submerged with some of the most foul smelling water I've ever encountered.

Mays Island is still there, but I won't be surprised if the pedestrian portion goes under. The water has already breeched the concrete barricades on the sides and is nearing the sidewalk on the west side.

In short - It's a mess & the Cedar is not expected to crest in CR until Friday. (Maybe later, depending on the rain up north.)

[CoffeeCat]

1. Wow!!

That is unbelievable! ...and unprecedented!

Do they expect the water to go up over the bridges, and on to the streets? I can't imagine
1st Avenue flooding! The courthouse is up on Mays Island, correct? Do they expect that to flood
and also the downtown area?

Wow, I am really in shock. I grew up in Cedar Rapids and I'm pretty familiar with the area. Nothing
like this--EVER--came close to happening.

All of these "crest" predictions...I don't think they take into account the heavy rains we're supposed
to get tonight and tomorrow morning.

Sunday, predictions for Saylorville lake levels for Thursday, June 12--were 891 feet. That was many
days before this heavy rain (that's supposed to happen tonight!) was forecast. 892 was the record
during the floods of 1993. We're supposed to get 2 inches of rain tonight in Des Moines, and very
heavy rains throughout the state--some areas are supposed to get 5 inches.

If all of this bears, out--many areas--including CR, CF, Des Moines and others--are looking at water
levels above the 1993 records.

This is....unbelievable!

Please keep us posted about CR!! Let us know that you are safe.

Are you in a safe/dry area of CR? Take care, you!

[CornField]

2. Some downtown areas already flooding

Right now it's mostly concentrated to the lower portions of downtown (12th Ave and so-forth), but there is water on 1st Ave just west of the I-380 exchange. The Iowa DOT has closed those exits off I-380 that lead into that area (I believe they are numbered 19B and 19C.)

The county has called for evacuation of everyone in the 500-year flood plain in CR. Here's a link to a map on KCRG:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19778169.html

Please note that they are directing those who evacuate to come to Roosevelt Middle School -- which is just within the boundary. (Of course, Roosevelt does have that most excellent sledding hill.)

They are expecting the river to go over the 3rd Ave bridge (according to the guys working on the bridge about 2 p.m. today), but aren't sure about the others yet. Of course, if it goes over that bridge, it's likely to cause at least some damage to the courthouse.

I'm in Marion and safe unless Indian Creek goes wild. (It's up too, but flowing well at the moment.)

[CornField]

3. Couple of photos

This was taken from the end of the 3rd Ave bridge, looking north toward Vets Memorial and the 2nd Ave Bridge.



Looking down the 3rd Ave Bridge toward Alliant's building.



This was taken near 6th St SE -- if you look just left of the warning cone, you'll see something in the water. That's the top of a fire hydrant.

[CornField]

7. More photos & a video

Link:
http://www.essentialestrogen.com/2008/06/video_cedar_rapids_downtown_ef.html

[Blue Gardener]

4. Just Amazing

I keep watching the coverage on KCRG and am just astounded by what is happening. The spectators need to just stay home and watch it on tv.

[Bluzmann57]

8. Yeah. #*^! spectators.

I remember in '93 when the Mississippi had the worst flood ever recorded. People decided to "look at the flood" Most of us who live and work here simply said "Fuck you. Get out of the way if you aren't going to help". There was a writer of some note who I actually cussed out because she said, "I just came in to check it out. Awesome!" So the spectators are a nuisance and need to stay home. Good luck to everyone in CR, CF, and everywhere else.
Hey, isn't PStans in Mason City? If so, hope you are doing well. Hang in there. Iowans are the best.

[Debi]

10. I thought he was marshalltown....

Maybe he'll check in

Is it raining/thunder down by you???

[Bluzmann57]

14. Actually, I think you're right

I think he is in Marshalltown. And it's always raining/thunder etc. down here. Hang in there and stay safe.

[Debi]

5. What next?

Really, how much more can Iowans take????

[CornField]

6. Republican Locusts!

I know... not a laughing matter... but if I don't laugh, I'll cry.

[Hardrada]

9. I have a theory of a cycle. Bad stuff seems to happen every 5 years.

1963, 1968, 1973 (Watergate scandal), 1978 (Khomeini), 1983 (Lebanon), 1988 (Dukakis), 1993 (Iowa flood), 1998 (Monicagate), 2003, (Iraq War begins), 2008, the grim present day. Check it out!

[Debi]

11. Wait.....I was born in 1968.......

:crazy:

[Hardrada]

12. I meant more like national catastrophes.

And you were a Blessed Event and not a catastrophe. Hey thanks for reminding me how old I am!

[Debi]

13. Actually when I told Mr. Debi about this thread and my response to your post

he noted that he'd never had his home hit by a tornado OR in a flood until AFTER he married me.....x(

Blessed Event *sigh* I'll ask the folks about that one!