[UPDATE 3/17: Preventative measures are now being extended for an 18.5--2.5 feet above major flood stage--Cedar River crest on Monday, March 18.]

[UPDATE 3/17: River crest for Cedar Rapids rises again, to 17.8 ft. Monday, March 18]

[UPDATED 3/16: The projected crest of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids is now 16.6 ft. for Monday afternoon, March 18.]

[ORIGINAL STORY]: The historic record crest of 31.12 feet in 2008 is always fresh in our minds, and seemingly every year we're hit with the threat of flooding.

While they assure that they don't expect any effects to businesses or homes, the latest river crest predictions have the City Of Cedar Rapids on alert and beginning to take action.

At this writing, a 15.5 foot flood stage on the Cedar Rapids is predicted early next week. This was an earlier projection, later downgraded to just above 14 feet and is now upgraded again.

The measures they have started to take include plugging of underground storm sewer drains and placement of concrete cones to cover low-lying storm water inlets. There are road closures currently in place in the following areas, and boat ramps will close at 7 a.m. this Saturday until levels are back below 13 feet.

  • 1st Street NW closed between Penn Street and E Avenue
  • J St SW at the intersection of Hawkeye Downs Rd SW
  • Hawkeye Downs Rd SW closed between 6th St SW and J St SW
  • Bowling St SW closed south of 33rd Ave at the Prairie Creek Bridge [REOPENED]
  • Otis Road

Several county roads are also closed due to localized flooding. See more information here.

CBS2 Weather First forecast is encouraging with the news that rain should now stay away for several days.

[Via CBS2, CBS2]

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