Flood warning continues in Linn, Buchanan counties

INDEPENDENCE - A flood warning for Independence, as well as other communities along the Wapsipinicon River in Linn and Buchanan counties, continues today after floodwaters washed through Sunday.

The Wapsi River crested Sunday in Independence at more than 15 feet, putting the river at major flood stage, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service put the river level in Independence at 13.9 feet Monday morning, and floodwaters are expected to continue receding to below flood stage by Tuesday morning, according to recent predictions.

Additional flooding also is expected as the Wapsi River at Anamosa Shaw Road in Anamosa continues to rise over the next couple days until it reaches a crest of 20 feet around 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to predictions.

The flooding was caused by storms in the area Thursday, Friday and into Saturday morning, said Andy Ervin, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities. The northeast part of Buchanan County had about 6 inches of rainfall, and the southwest part of the county measured just a little more than 1 inch of rain.

The river in Independence was holding steady Monday morning, Ervin said, but meteorologist are continuing to monitor the potential for rising flood levels.

'It's unclear how much of a secondary crest is going to occur,” Ervin said. 'It is possible a second crest could occur, but it would be less than the first crest.”

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Wolfgram said some Independence residents were sandbagging as a precaution before floodwaters hit Sunday. Water has affected Highway 150, as well as low-lying streets in Independence.

Flooding also has occurred in Fairbank, Littleton, Central City and Quasqueton, according to National Weather Service reports.

Check back for updates as they become available.

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