Weekend rain could cause street flooding

City officials are keeping an eye on the sky and one on the ground this weekend.

“It could cause some minor issues, but it shouldn't cause major issues,” Craig Hanson, the city's public works maintenance manager, said of rain and snow expected this weekend.

The National Weather Service predicts up to an inch of rain to fall in both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City tonight through Sunday, when any precipitation would turn to snow. Local rainfalls of up to two inches may cause river flooding as it combines with snow melt and flows off frozen ground.

But at worst, flooding on Prairie Creek could temporarily close Hawkeye Drive and J Street SW, Hanson said.

In Iowa City, “what we're most concerned about if there's enough rain to bust the ice lose on Ralston Creek,” said Rick Fosse, the city's public works director.

That could lead to flooding along the creek, which drains the eastern half of Iowa City.

Workers in both cities will be on call over the weekend to deal with any emergencies that arise.

Hanson said crews were out Thursday clearing ice-blocked storm drains, and will be again today as melting continues,

Fosse said equipment will be readied to clear ice jams from around bridges, where they usually form.

Residents should ensure their downspouts and sump pump drains are clear. Downspouts should be turned away from foundations, and sump pumps shouldn't be draining into the street. After December's warm spell that followed heavy snow, about a dozen Cedar Rapids residents received notices their pumps were illegally draining into the street, Hanson said.

Cedar Rapids residents should contact Public Works anytime at 286-5826 if pot holes or pooling of water occurs at storm intakes. Concerns can also be e-mailed to street@cedar-rapids.org for follow-up during regular working hours.

In Iowa City, drainage and snow removal problems may be referred to the Streets Department, 356-5181.