Flooding in Dyervsille on Friday

The St. Francis Xavier Basilica is one of only 52 Catholic basilicas in the United States. The twin steeples and Gothic architecture makes it an historic and visible icon in this part of northeast Iowa.

The good news is the church remains dry for the moment. Earlier today church officials believed hydraulic pressure from water surrounding the church would probably mean a wet basement cleanup, but they now say they don't believe the church will take on any water.

Basilica maintenance chief Ron Deutmeyer told KCRG-TV9 that the main floor of the church has never flooded. But this much water will put pressure on basement walls, so expects water to seep in before long. Based on what has happened before, he expects to clean up about four inches of water from the lower level. Deutmeyer said he's ready to clean up with Shop Vacs and similar tools and the church usually doesn't get enough water to require pumping out.

The basilica and church school next door have a few sandbags in place, but Deutmeyer doesn't expect the water to get that high.

This Maquoketa River that runs right through downtown Dyersville is pouring out of its banks after heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours.

Water has made its way into homes along Third Avenue.

Firefighters used boats to rescues several families who were trapped inside their homes as the water was rising.

"The water just kept coming and it came a lot faster this time than it has in '99, 2002, 2008.  It just came faster than we were able to deal with it," Dyersville resident Pat Valant said.

The Maquoketa River level is at 14 feet now, which authorities say is above flood level.

People whose homes are flooded say this happens every few years.

- By Dave Franzman and Katie Wiedemann, KCRG-TV9