Cedar Rapids Weather
UPDATE: Much of Hopkinton Spared, But Floodwater Creates ‘Awful, Awful Mess’By Jeff Raasch, Reporter
HOPKINTON - A surge of water created when the dam at Lake Delhi was compromised has mostly dissipated in farm fields north of Hopkinton, authorities said.
Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere said an Iowa State Patrol pilot watching the swollen Maquoketa River reported that the water spread into river bottoms along Pioneer Road. He was not aware of any damage to farmsteads. LeClere, watching the river rush over County Road D47, said four or five houses on the southwest edge of Hopkinton may have water damage, and the sewer plant is surrounded by water. But LeClere said firefighters watched the river rise only about four inches since they received news that the dam at Lake Delhi had been compromised. "It could get higher here," LeClere said. "But I don't anticipate any type of surge." About half the town's 680 residents, the one's living between the river and Highway 38, have been evactated. Resident sat in lawn chairs and pickup endgates along the highway. "To my knowledge, there's been no injuries, which is the main thing," LeClere said. "Just an awful, awful mess." LeClere said he's been told the water was dropping upriver at Backbone State Park and the crest was near in Manchester. Firefighters in a golf cart were making periodic checks of the water going over D47. Around 3:30 p.m., Hopkinton Fire Chief Craig Wilson estimated the water had risen an estimated 18 inches in three hours. But many of the homes closest to the river are still out of danger. A few miles north of town, firefighters reported to him around 4 p.m. that the water was starting to recede. Wilson, who has lived in Hopkinton for 47 years, said it's the highest water he's ever seen. "We've never had a dam break," Wilson said. "It was kind of a shock. No one really knew what to do, and we were just going by guesses. "But all in all, everything's turned out pretty good." More Good Stuff |
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