After heavy rains covered much of central and eastern Iowa yesterday and continue in eastern Iowa today, a flash flood watch remains in effect for Tama County until 4 pm. The National Weather Service predicts up to 1-2 in of rain are possible, which will result in flooding of poorly drained and/or low-lying areas. Settlement residents, especially those who reside on the Iowa River floodplain such as those near Battleground Road and near smaller creeks prone to flash flooding, are advised to prepare accordingly. Heavy rain throughout the Iowa River Watershed will create greater flooding risk on the Iowa River. The National Weather Service predicts the Iowa River level will exceed the Action stage of 11.0 ft at Highway E49 on Thursday, and that the Minor flood stage of 12.5 ft will be approached, but not exceeded. The current forecast predicts the river will crest at 11.7 ft on Friday evening. Please see the attached map on the Meskwaki webpage for a view of expected flood extent and depths associated with a 12.0 ft Iowa River gauge height at the Highway E49 bridge. You may also track flood levels and forecasts from the National Weather Service from computer or smartphone at this link: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=dmx&gage=tmai4.
Predicted floodwater extent and depth associated with a 12.0 ft river gauge height on the Iowa River at the County Highway E49 bridge on the Settlement. The darker the shade of blue, the deeper the water.
