Flood Journal 2008, Update 6/13/08,Noon

Flood Journal Midday 6/13/08

An update of what is happening with the flooding in my area. Yesterday flood waters had barely left the banks of the Iowa River in Coralville. This morning I awoke to an entirely different situation. Last evening one dike gave way and flooded a section of Coralville closest to the Iowa City, city limits on Highway 6. This morning sometime after 4 am an embankment along Clear Creek near me gave way and the portion of Highway 6 that runs just south of me was flooded along with the businesses along it.

Currently at the lower end of my street water is over 4 feet deep and it's about 2 feet deep across the highway. Apartments and business have been evacuated, some by boat.

The building two below mine has put up a sand dike but I don't know if it would hold back water.  Looks like water would wash it away.

I am at least 12 feet high than the water level at the present time. I have put some important papers, photos, etc in a bag to grab and go if necessary. My meds are ready to grab and I have a couple changes of clothing ready to pack. I also went to the store to get more bottled water and dry perishables that can be eaten should I lose power.

This is a very serious situation and I surely hope I don't have to evacuate.

I took a walk to the area east of me and found the flood waters to have closed the street just 2 blocks down from me where it is lower.  The sheriff's dep't, police and National Guard were on hand to keep people from driving into that area.

The Iowa River is not supposed to crest until next Tuesday and there is another 6 feet of water expected from that. It will surely back up the creek waters even farther. I think I will be safe here but am taking precautions anyway. It doesn't hurt to be prepared.

This last picture was taken on my stree at the lower end at 2 PM.  The water had come up a foot from this morning.