Cedar River hits 17.94 feet and starts to recede

Gazette staff

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar River, which crested at 17.94 feet Wednesday morning in the city, has started to recede but is forecast to still be in the major flood stage until Thursday.

City crews worked through the night to monitor preparations, which included temporary pumps and sand barriers, to protect from a crest of 18 feet. By Wednesday morning the city reported 'no significant changes or impacts overnight.”

Southbound Edgewood Road over the river - between Glass Road NE and Ellis Boulevard NW - remained reduced to one lane as water crept close to the roadway. Likewise, C Street SW has been reduced to one lane in each direction at Tait Cummins Park, the city said.

Parts of other streets in low-lying areas remained closed.

The National Weather Service predicts the river will recede fairly quickly, dipping below the 12-foot flood stage on Saturday.

According to a news release, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department will be keeping boat ramps closed until 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29.