New Forecast - 19.8 feet

The National Weather Service has updated its flood forecast for the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids:

...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...

 THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR

THE CEDAR RIVER AT CEDAR RAPIDS.

* UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

* AT 11:00 AM THURSDAY THE STAGE WAS 15.6 FEET...AND RISING.

* FLOOD STAGE IS 12 FEET.

* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.

* FORECAST...RISE TO 19.8 FEET SATURDAY...THEN BEGIN FALLING.

* IMPACT...AT 20 FEET...WATER REACHES THE BOTTOM OF THE BLAIRS FERRY

ROAD BRIDGE DECK.

And the city is on the job. Here's the press release that arrived in my inbox just after 1 p.m.:

City Responding to Rising River level

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – May 30, 2013 – The City of Cedar Rapids is responding to the current rising river levels. Cedar Rapids City Manager, Jeff Pomeranz said, “We are aggressively addressing the current rising river levels. City staff is working throughout the community, implementing the city's flood response plan.”

 The National Weather Service has increased the prediction for the Cedar River crest to reach 19.8 feet, which is 4 feet higher than its current level, by this Saturday at 11:00am. Citizens should stay out of closed areas and away from standing or flowing water.

 City staff is fully engaged in flood response activities to help mitigate potential flooding at a 20 foot river level. City staff is deploying pumps, plugs, sandbags, barricades, etc., and closing valves at preplanned locations adjacent to the river. Staff continues to monitor forecast river levels, as well as actual river levels, and additional response actions will be taken as necessary to address changes as they occur.

 The City of Cedar Rapids has materials available for residents to create sandbags at Bowling St. and C St. SW.

 Cedar Rapids residents who live in low-lying areas next to the river can prepare by:

• For those properties with sanitary sewer backwater valves, ensure they are closed

• Ensure sump pumps are operable

• Remove cars from underground parking areas

• Avoid parking cars on streets in low-lying areas near the river

Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.