What caused the 2008 flood in Iowa?
On Monday, June 9 the Upper Iowa River in Decorah flooded when a shorter college-built levee was breached. The Army Corps of Engineers levee held in all parts of Decorah. Up to 6 inches (152 mm) of rain had fallen in the 48 hours prior.
How many people died in the flood of 2008?
In 2008, flash and river floods claimed 82 lives, down from 89 in 2007. The 2008 flood casualty total is above the 10- year average of 74 deaths but below the 30 year average of 99 fatalities.
What is the 2008 flooding known as?
The June 2008 Midwestern United States floods were flooding events which affected portions of the Midwestern United States. After months of heavy precipitation, a number of rivers overflowed their banks for several weeks at a time and broke through levees at numerous locations.
When was the worst flood in Iowa?
Although the Rockdale flood affected a very small geographic area, it is the deadliest known flood in Iowa’s history. The Rockdale flood occurred on July 4, 1876 when heavy rain caused Catfish Creek to swell and break the dam upstream of town at the Rockdale Mill.
What year did Cedar Rapids flood?
2008
It was the perfect storm of the worst variety. The National Weather Service recap of the events surrounding the flood shows that Cedar Rapids was under four Flash Flood Warnings in eight days preceding the record crest of 31.12 feet on June 13, 2008.
When was the flood in Cedar Rapids Iowa?
June 13, 2008
On June 13, 2008, the Cedar River crested to its highest level in Cedar Rapids history, 31.12 feet. The previous record reached only 20 feet. The flood waters penetrated 10 square miles or 14 percent of the city.
When was the big flood in Cedar Rapids Iowa?
Where did it flood in Iowa?
The loss of water lasted for nearly 2 weeks with enormous economic and human impacts, including the shutdown of all downtown Des Moines businesses. On July 9, Ames and Iowa State University flooded. Heavy rainfall led to record flooding along portions of Squaw Creek and the South Skunk River.
Does Cedar Rapids Iowa flood?
Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Flood Risk Management. Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 13, 2008 during flood crest. In June 2008, the City of Cedar Rapids (City), Iowa, was devastated by a flood of record proportions. More than 1,300 city blocks of the City were flooded.
What year did Iowa flood?
The Great Flood of 1993 is considered by many to be one of the most defining natural disasters in Iowa history. Flooding resulted in 17 fatalities and around $2.7 billion in damage (nearly $4.5 billion in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars).
Where does the Cedar River meet the Iowa River?
At Columbus Junction, about 25 miles (40 km) south-southwest of Iowa City, the Iowa River is joined by the Cedar River, its chief tributary, and the combined streams enter the Mississippi about 20 miles (32 km) south of Muscatine.
How often do floods happen in Iowa?
Flood Frequency
| Time Period | Annual Exceedance Probability |
|---|---|
| 2 years | 50% |
| 5 years | 20% |
| 10 years | 10% |
| 25 years | 4% |
How did the Cedar Rapids flood affect the river?
This flash flood raised river levels significantly and was a key contributor to the crest at Cedar Rapids being over 11 feet above the previous record.
What was the flood of 2008 in Iowa?
The Flood of 2008 resulted in record flooding along the length of the Cedar, much of the Iowa, and parts of the Wapsipinicon and Mississippi rivers. The new record crests ranged from just under one half foot at Keithsburg, IL to over 11 feet at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
What happened in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
For Iowa City, the level of damage was less than expected, but that of Cedar Rapids was greater than anticipated. In Iowa City, the campus of the University of Iowa was vulnerable, and serious flooding did occur there. President George W. Bush landed on Air Force One at The Eastern Iowa Airport on June 20.
What was the height of the Cedar River in 2008?
The Cedar River crested at 31.12 ft (19 feet above flood stage) at 10:15 am on Friday, June 13, 2008, with the flood waters expected to fully retreat by June 24, barring any more heavy rains.