If you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you may not have noticed that we’ve had a little rain. Well, for some of you who have been in denial (myself included) – get ready. It sounds like we may have a re-run of the floods of ’93.
Do you remember what that was like? I remember being in daycare and they had to use buckets of water to flush the toilets. (Prepare for gross comment… seriously.. if you’re easily offended, skip to the next paragraph..) It was the point in my life where I was taught ‘If it’s yellow, let it be mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” Yea, a bit graphic – but how else do you teach a 9 year old? Say thank you to the Oakmore Child Care center. It’s their fault.
Anyway – this flood could be a very big deal. Below is the statement from KCCI, I’d start preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I’m sure the water is already sold out at the local stores.
“Des Moines city officials are coordinating efforts Tuesday to prepare for significantly higher levels on the Des Moines River. The city has begun public briefings three times a day to distribute information about the flood.
“We’re doing everything we can to mitigate effects of the flood,” said city manager Rick Clark.
An Army Corps of Engineers flood specialist, Roger Less, said the temporary flood gates on the emergency spillway at Saylorville Lake will likely be lowered Tuesday evening, which will double the outflow from Saylorville into the river headed toward Des Moines.
Less said the lake is rising quickly, even though the dam spillway is releasing its maximum amount of 21,000 cubic feet per second. Once the emergency spillway is topped, that amount will double to 42,000 cubic feet per second. Less says 60,000 cubic feet per second is flowing into the lake and that’s causing the lake level to rise rapidly.
He anticipates that once the temporary gates are lowered, it will take about 12 hours for that higher water to reach downtown Des Moines. “The City of Des Moines is doing all the right things to be proactive and prepare for the flood,” Less said.
City Public Works Director Bill Stowe said he anticipates that will put the river at or near the top of the levee system in Des Moines. He said he expects the levee system will hold at the anticipated levels but warned that a forecast of more rain Wednesday night into Thursday could make things worse.
Stowe also said downtown Des Moines bridges will be closed Tuesday afternoon and evening as a precaution. He recommends that traffic leaving needing to move east-west through downtown use 2nd Avenue and East 6th to I-235 and use the freeway’s bridge across the river.
Des Moines police chief Judy Bradshaw said police are moving equipment and personnel into place in case evacuations are needed. She said the department is preparing for the worst.
Parks and Recreation Director Don Tripp said city pools will be closed through Wednesday because employees are being used for sandbagging operations.
Tripp also said some operations are being moved out of the basements of city hall and the Armory Building. Both are located alongside the river and are getting some water in their basements. Those city offices are being relocated to the new city library.
Stowe said he does not think that downtown Des Moines businesses need to curtail operations at the present time.“
Remember folks, flood damage is hardly ever covered by homeowners insurance.
If you’re reading this and you’re from outside of Iowa – Many Iowa homes have basements full of family memories, photos, etc. If the places flood (many already have), these things are gone. Gone for good.
Please pray for the safety of Iowa families and other parts of the country that have been effected by this crazy weather.
Side note: This is exactly the reason why lenders are adamant that homes in a flood zone have flood insurance. There are no exceptions. I’m about to pick up the phone and call my clients that were required to have flood insurance and we’re super mad and see if they’re still upset. I bet I get a thank you.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tyler,
I really hope things don’t get too overwhelming out there!
This is just one of the many “you never know what might happen moments” when it comes to getting insurance of any kind. I tend to play on the safe side of things…
Nice update about the flooding in Des Moines, and Iowa. Once you’ve been through some serious flooding, what used to be gross is a lot less so. What’s gross now is not being able to get to clear, clean water to clean up after being coated with yucky stuff.
As an aside, the water coming out of my sump pump feels great on my hands. Now and then, I bend over to where our sump pump is emitting water onto our drive, and just put my hands under the hose. That 55 degree water, seemingly clean water is actually quite refreshing as it cools my hands.
Don’t think my feet could take it, however. Just a little too cold. I’m not one of those fellas that likes to take a dip in the middle of winter, up in Minnesota.
Ricardo – I’ve been extremely lucky here. No water yet. Many Iowans don’t get flood insurance unless a lender requires it. Even then people kick and scream about it. I’m sure they’re extremely happy they did at this point.
Andrew – I’ve been fortunate on getting clean clear water. Honestly – I haven’t talked to anyone that has had water concerns this year… As far as washing my hands.. I just stick to the faucet water and showers. 😉
Thanks for joining the conversation you two!