Cedar River continues to rise, threatening Major Flood Stage today

For the second time this month the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids is threatening to reach major flood stage.

While Eastern Iowa was dry throughout the weekend, this did not effect the Cedar River's projected crest which has held steady at 17.5 feet.

The crest's projection was set on Friday, and is expected to reach its peak midday Tuesday.

Currently the river is at 14.72 feet and rapidly rising. Major flood stage, which is 16 feet, is expected to happen later today.

The city has issued a release on Monday stating the city is currently protected to the 17.5 feet stage, and will be protected to the 18 feet stage by the end of the day.

According to the release, measures that will be taken today include placing a row of sand-fill HESCO barriers in low-lying areas adjacent to the riverand plugging storm drains and manholes in the Time Check Neighborhood, NW Quadrant along the river.

The city has also closed off its underground storm sewer system, which will prevent river water from backing up in the system and flooding streets and businesses. In the case of rain, the pump stations located at Sinclair and NewBo will begin pumping rain water back into the river. The Public Works Department will monitor the system 24 hours a day until the flood threat has subsided, according to the release.

Current Road Closures as of Monday:

A Street SW between 17th Avenue and the Compost Facility

Ellis Rd NW, between Edgewood Road and Covington Road

Old River Road NW between Ely Road to Big Bend Road

Otis Road SE between Cargill to Fish Hatchery

1st Street NW between O Avenue and Penn Street

Penn St NW between O Avenue and Ellis Blvd

Current Parks and Trails Closures as of Monday:

Sac and Fox Trail

Cedar River Trail sections near downtown and A St.

Seminole Valley Park

Robbins Lake

Lakeview Pavilion

Manhattan Pavilion

Mohawk Pavilion

Ellis boat ramp

McGrath Amphitheatre

Jones Golf

The boat ramps are currently closed and will remain closed until the Cedar River is below 13 feet.

According to the National Weather Service Cedar Rapids should expect mostly sunny weather with a high near 77 degrees.

However, Tuesday brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. which is around the time of the expected crest.

You can keep up with the river's level in real time by following The Gazette's flood gauge monitor map found here.

And still with The Gazette for all flood related updates.