IOWA CITY - Army Corps of Engineers staff informed Iowa City staff Friday morning, June 13, that the current water level of the Coralville Reservoir is 715.9 feet, 3.9 feet over the spillway. The level in the Reservoir is expected to peak at 717.7 at midnight on June 16th. Inflows to the Reservoir are peaking today, Friday, June 13, with an estimated 50,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) inflow. Possible maximum flow expected during this flood event in the Iowa City area is 44,000 cfs, expected late Monday, June 16. This correlates to an additional 4-1/2 to 5 feet of additional water. Additional rain may add to and delay the peak. The maximum flow experience in 1993 was 28,200 cfs. The flood of 2008 is now anticipated to be near or exceed a 500-year flood event.

URGENT NOTICE TO RESIDENTS ALREADY AFFECTED BY FLOOD AND TO THOSE ADJACENT TO THE FLOODPLAIN

The flood of 2008 has now exceeded water levels experienced in the flood of 1993. Properties adjoining those directly affected in 1993 are now vulnerable to inundation. Owners of property in the 500-year floodplain should be aware of the imminent flooding of their property and make plans for evacuation now. Click HERE for the map of the 500-year floodplain. Officials tell TV9 that the orange area marks the 100-year floodplain and the lime green area marks the 500-year floodplain. (The 100-year floodplain is included in the 500-year floodplain).

Residents and property owners in flood-prone areas are urged to continue their protective actions. At this point in time, it is vitally important to start planning now for evacuation. If your property is on or near the floodplain, do not wait for mandatory evacuation. Sandbag levees should not give a false sense of security to residents and property owners. If they should fail, it becomes a dangerous situation where people can become stranded and lives are put at risk attempting rescues. City efforts are now focusing on protecting vital public infrastructure.

When leaving a home/business prior to a flood, it is important to shut off the gas, electricity and water service. Please remember to shut off your main water valve if evacuating. This prevents river water from contaminating the water system. Put a sand bag over the floor drain on the basement level before you leave. The City does not have the resources to assist with moving personal belongings. Remove your vehicle from floodprone areas to higher ground for possible evacuation. There are informational links on evacuation procedures at www.icgov.org/riverwatch. Please access these instructions while there is still internet access. Advice can also be given over the phone by calling 887-6202 (24/7).

Volunteer sandbaggers should dial the following number to find active sandbagging locations: 887-6202.

Resources for Residents Impacted by Flooding:

Residents needing help with sandbagging for their property can call 887-6202. The same number can be called for information on location of sandbags. This phone in City Hall will be answered 24 hours a day until further notice. Red Cross Disaster Assistance: The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Bldg. A of the Johnson Co. Fairgrounds (3149 Old Hwy. 218 So.). This shelter offers food and housing to those displaced by the flood. Those individuals who need assistance with shelter or other needs can call the Red Cross at 319-393-3500.

The Iowa City Animal Shelter has moved both regular and emergency operations to the Johnson County Fairgrounds area. Plans are being made now for an alternate location should access to the Fairgrounds be shut off. Call the Animal Care office at 356-5295. Hours for routine/non-emergency operations are 12 PM – 3 PM. Donations of the following are needed: small litter boxes; liquid detergent; small animal bedding (cedar chips); towels and bedding; high quality unopened food for cats or kittens.

The MidAmerican Energy phone number to call for shut-offs and other issues is 1-888-427-5632 (answered 24/7). The City of Iowa City has sand and sand bags available at the City Equipment Building, 1200 S. Riverside Drive. The bags will be located in the parking lot past the fuel pumps – look for signs.