Waterloo, Iowa – Rising river levels will threaten roads and neighborhoods across eastern Iowa from Friday morning through early Tuesday, as a series of extended Flood Watches target the Cedar, Shell Rock, and Iowa Rivers.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, flood watches remain in effect for the Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Tama, as well as the Shell Rock River at Shell Rock. Black Hawk, Butler, Bremer, Tama, and Poweshiek counties are included in these alerts, which could impact travel, utilities, and local infrastructure. Flooding could begin as early as Friday morning, with the highest risks expected from Friday night through Monday, July 28.
In Cedar Falls, the Cedar River is forecast to reach its 89.0-foot flood stage by early Saturday, potentially flooding Big Woods Road, the north parking lot at Island Park, and low-lying areas near the city limits. Waterloo could see flood stage (13.0 feet) by late Saturday evening, closing Fletcher Avenue levee gates and storm sewers along Black Hawk Creek. The Shell Rock River near Clarksville and Shell Rock could force closure of South Lake Street. By Monday evening, the Iowa River near Tama may cover sections of Business 30 and South Prospect Drive in Toledo.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel, secure valuables, and monitor local updates. Charge devices, prepare for possible road closures, and never drive through flooded roadways. These flood threats are similar to late-July events seen in 2021 and 2016.
River warnings are expected to remain in effect through Tuesday morning, July 29, with additional advisories possible if rainfall continues.
