Marengo, Iowa – Residents along the Iowa River in Marengo are bracing for rising water levels as a Flood Warning remains in effect through Monday afternoon, July 28. Minor flooding is already impacting farmland, and authorities urge caution near riverbanks and low-lying roads as water levels approach 16 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, the Iowa River at Marengo measured 15.3 feet as of 8 p.m. Tuesday. The river is forecast to crest at 15.9 feet early Friday morning before gradually dropping below flood stage on Monday. The current flood stage for this area is 15 feet, with water now several feet deep in fields and near riverside properties.
Benton and Iowa counties are experiencing the most significant effects, with water threatening rural roads and agricultural land along the river. Emergency management officials stress that most flood deaths occur in vehicles, advising drivers to “turn around, don’t drown” at any sign of flooded roadways. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, charge cell phones in case of power issues, and closely monitor local alerts.
This week’s flood mirrors similar minor events in past summers but could still disrupt farm operations and local traffic. Updates will be posted at weather.gov/quadcities, and a new statement will be issued by Wednesday evening.
Warnings are expected to remain in place until water drops below flood stage Monday morning.
