Flood battle continues in Ames today

Some areas of central Iowa are still battling floodwaters today.

The good news in Ames is that Squaw Creek and the Skunk River have crested, though both hit record levels.

A couple hundred people in Ames had to evacuate their homes early yesterday morning. And then came news that a large water main broke under Squaw Creek in Ames, draining a city water tower.

City leaders feared the break could contaminate the entire water system, so they shut it down. People in Ames who are still getting water are under a boil order until further notice.

In addition to city streets, the flood water also shut down several roads leading into Ames, including part of Interstate 35 south of the city.

Here's a road closing update from the Department of Transportation (also check out road updates from the city of Ames):

Flood waters are receding along roadways in the Ames area, but many other roads remain closed in Iowa. According to Iowa Department of Transportation officials, other roadways will likely close throughout the day as the flood waters make their way southeast down rivers and creeks.

Status of I-35 closure

The Iowa DOT is closely monitoring the I-35 flooding and the road is expected to reopen later this morning. As soon as the roadway is inspected and any necessary repairs are made, the department will reopen the road to traffic. A public notice will be issued.

DOT facilities closed

The facilities that make up the Iowa DOT's central complex, the District 1 Office and the driver's license station in Ames are closed today due to a water main break that caused the city of Ames to shut off water service. Only essential workers are required to report to work today, and those individuals are being contacted by their supervisors. No other employees should report to work. No public services will be available through these facilities today.

Employees with questions may contact their supervisors, or call the emergency hotline at 866-452-8510, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and a representative of the department will provide information on the status of the facility closures.

Roadways reopened since last update

• Iowa 44 in Dallas County – The roadway between Dallas County Road R-22 and Iowa 44 (near Grimes) is now restricted to one lane. It had previously been closed.

Roadways currently closed or restricted

Due to the dynamic nature of flash flooding, motorists should remain alert throughout the day in all counties under watches or warnings. For weather and other emergency information, stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or your local radio and TV stations. If you encounter a flooded area, turn around – don't drown.

• Interstate 35 in Story County – The southbound and northbound lanes of I-35 are still flooded south of Ames between Iowa 210 and U.S. 30. The southernmost point of the closure is located at the First Street northbound entrance ramp in Ankeny. The northbound entrance ramps are also closed at the Iowa 210 and Elkhart interchanges. Due to other area highway closures, a lengthy detour has been established. For complete details, visit: http://www.news.iowadot.gov/newsandinfo/2010/08/detour-update-both-northbound-and-southbound-lanes-of-interstate-35-now-closed.html
• U.S. 61 and U.S. 136 in Lee County – The road is closed near Keokuk. Traffic normally going across the Des Moines River Bridge near Keokuk is being directed to the Des Moines River Bridge at St. Francisville.
• Iowa 2 in Fremont County – The right, eastbound lane is closed between Interstate 29 and the Nebraska state line.
• Iowa 16 in Wapello County – The roadway is reduced to one lane of traffic between Ninth and Eighth streets in Eldon.
• Iowa 92 in Mahaska County – The roadway is now closed between Iowa 23 and Mahaska County Road V-13 (near Keomah Village). The location had previously been reduced to one lane.
• Iowa 92 in Mahaska County – The road is closed between Iowa 23 (Oskaloosa) and Mahaska County Road V-13 (Rose Hill). The detour follows U.S. 63 north from Oskaloosa to Mahaska County Road G-29, east on G-29 to V-13, then south on V-13 to Iowa 92.
• Iowa 98 in Van Buren County – The road is closed at the Des Moines River crossing between Douds and Leando.
• Iowa 117 in Jasper County – The roadway between Jasper County Road F-48 and Interstate 80 near Colfax is closed.
• Iowa 210 in Story County – The road is closed south of Cambridge at the South Skunk River crossing and at the Indian Creek crossing in Maxwell.

Temporary customer service phone line

Due to the high volume of public inquires about state road closings and detours, the Iowa DOT has established a temporary customer service phone line. Call 866-452-8510 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, and a customer service operator will be available to take your call.

This is a temporary service and will remain available while flood-related conditions warrant. For road condition information outside these hours or after this event, call 511 (in Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (outside the state). This line should NOT be used to report an emergency situation – call 911.

A special flood closure map is available at: www.iowadot.gov.

Photos of the flooding of U.S. 30 and I-35 in Ames are available at:

http://www.iowadot.gov/floods/2010floodgallery01.html