Cedar Rapids closes roads due to low-level Cedar flooding

CEDAR RAPIDS - The city has closed some low-lying roads, trails and parks due to the potential for flooding.

Heavy rainfall is forecast over the next few days, which localized flash flooding possible, the city said in a Friday news release.

The Cedar River was at 15.2 feet and falling at 2 p.m. Friday.

A river stage of 12 feet indicates minor flooding, with major flooding beginning at 16 feet, when flooding of low-level ground and outbuildings begin.

Cedar River boat ramps will remain closed until Monday morning, when the Cedar is expected to drop below 13 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Current road closures include:

' Otis Road SE, from Prairie Park Fishery to Cargill

' Otis Road SE, west of Indian Creek in Linn County

' First Street NW, from Ellis Boulevard to O Avenue NW

' Ellis Road NW, west of Edgewood Road NW

' Old River Road SW

In 2016, the Cedar River crested at nearly 22 feet on Sept. 27, its second-highest crest.

The Cedar's highest crest - 31.12 feet - came in June 2008, causing billions of dollars in damage in Cedar Rapids.

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