Des Moines, Iowa – Floodwaters are rising across central and northern Iowa tonight, threatening roads, parks, and neighborhoods in several cities through the weekend. River levels in Cedar Falls, Tama, Mason City, and Shell Rock are climbing, with multiple flood warnings in effect as communities brace for closures and potential evacuations.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, the Cedar River at Cedar Falls is expected to crest at 91 feet by Friday evening, flooding Big Woods Road and the north parking lot of Island Park. In Tama County, the Iowa River near Tama Hwy E49 will crest at 13.4 feet Friday evening, spilling onto 340th Street at H Ave and affecting parts of Poweshiek County until late Sunday.
Mason City’s Winnebago River topped 10.5 feet tonight, flooding city parks and threatening the 12th St NE bridge piers. Water will remain high until Friday afternoon. Shell Rock River is also rising, forecast to reach 13.7 feet Friday morning, closing E Washington St and impacting neighborhoods in Bremer, Black Hawk, and Butler Counties.
Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads and heed barricades. Never drive through high water—turn around, don’t drown. Prepare by charging devices, gathering emergency supplies, and following updates from local authorities.
Flood warnings remain in effect into Sunday or Monday for all four rivers. Additional advisories may be issued as rainfall continues and rivers respond.
