(Iowa) The National Weather Service has issued and extended Flood Watches for several Iowa rivers as water levels continue to rise.
The National Weather Service has also issued Flood Watches for the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in the Des Moines area.
The Des Moines River at Southeast Sixth Street was at 15.2 feet and rising Tuesday morning. It could reach its 24-foot flood stage Friday afternoon. The watch runs from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
The Raccoon River at Fleur Drive was at 6.1 feet and rising Tuesday morning. It could reach its 12-foot flood stage Thursday afternoon. That Flood Watch remains in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Friday night.
In eastern Iowa, a Flood Watch is in effect for the English River at Kalona from Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday night. The river was at 6.4 feet Tuesday morning, with forecasts indicating it could reach its 14-foot flood stage Wednesday afternoon. At that level, agricultural land along the river begins to flood.
The North Skunk River near Sigourney remains under a Flood Watch from Wednesday morning through Friday evening. The river was at 10.8 feet Tuesday morning and could reach its 16-foot flood stage late Wednesday morning. At 16 feet, water affects agricultural land, some county roads and farmhouses.
Residents and those with interests near the rivers are encouraged to monitor rising water levels and remain prepared for possible Flood Warnings. Current river observations and forecasts are available at weather.gov/desmoines/water.
