City of Davenport, IA

06/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2024 01:18

2024 Flood Response

06.30.24
The latest forecast from our partners at the National Weather Service has upped the timing and crest of the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 15 to 19.2 FT on July 6. With the change in forecast and arriving conditions, the flood detour will expand on the east beginning late this evening. As a reminder, residents impacted to stage 19 FT needing sand and sandbags should call 563.326.7923 to request supplies, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Find the flood detour map at this link.

Find other resources for property owners impacted by forecast river levels at at www.beprepareddavenport.com.

A full update will release on Monday.

06.27.24
Our partners at the National Weather Service have revised the flood forecast slightly. The rate of rise is a little slower than anticipated and is currently expected to reach 18 FT by July 4. Crest timing and height are dependent on upcoming rain events. The good news is that we are prepared.

Those impacted at river stages to 18 to 19 FT and needing sand and sandbags are encouraged to prepare early. To request sand and sandbags, call Public Works at 563.326.7923, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Despite the slower rate of river rise, we encourage everyone to resist the temptation to go around barricades. Barricades are placed for your safety. What may seem clear at the start could lead to an underwater destination with unknown hazards, such as the absence of paved surfaces and the presence of bacteria and other floodwater-related hazards.

The Riverfront Walk will begin to be consumed by the river over the weekend, with a current forecast of 16 FT on Saturday and 16.5 FT on Sunday; the trail between Credit Island and Marquette is already covered with water.

Flood Status Update:

Travel

  • S Concord is closed between River Dr and Utah. The Davenport Compost Facility can be reached via Rockingham/Hwy 22 to Wapello to Railroad St.
  • River Dr is closed on the west at Division to approximately Gaines, and on the east between Brady and 3rd St. View detour map at this link.

Sand and Sandbags

  • Sand and sandbags are available for delivery by request to Public Works at 563.326.7923, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Sand and sandbags are only available to properties impacted at river stages 19 FT and under.

Recreation

  • Credit Island is closed to the public due to water over the causeway.
    The Riverfront Recreational Walk and Trail will begin to cover between Marquette heading east over the weekend. The trail between Credit Island and Marquette is already covered by water.
  • Marquette, Centennial, and LeClaire Parks, and the Skate Park will be impacted early next week.
  • The boat docks at Marquette have been removed.

Facilities

  • The Freight House and Union Station are open for business. The Freight House Farmer's Market will be held as scheduled.
  • Crews have begun placing temporary flood barriers at Modern Woodmen Park. The park will remain open for business.
  • The River's Edge is open for business.

Special Events

  • Stay tuned for information on a new date for Red White and Boom!
  • The start location for Bix at 6 runs has moved to 5th and Pershing until further notice.

Pumps and Other Preparations

  • Pumps are being placed and appropriate gates are being closed with river rise.

Watch for updates early next week when more is known about river stages and timing.

Find additional flood resources at www.bepreapreddavenport.com.

06.25.24
Find a good overview of flood response from today's flood briefing at https://fb.watch/sWPJZuLjSf/.

Here are some need-to-know items.

  • Beginning Wednesday, June 26, River Dr will be closed between Division and Western and Brady to 3rd St. Find the detour map at this link.
  • Properties impacted at river stages 13 to 19 FT will have access to sand and sandbags. To request sand and sandbags, call Public Works at 563.326.7923 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Credit Island is now closed to the public.

06.24.24
Heavy precipitation to the north and across the Midwest have resulted in river levels hovering between 13 and 14 FT since early June; however, things will be changing quickly over the next week. Currently our partners at the National Weather Service tell us river stage could reach 17.8 FT by Sunday June 30, and has the potential to crest around 18 to 19 FT at Lock and Dam 15 between then and July 4. The flood plan is active and crews will begin incrementally placing flood mitigation measures.

At this time, here's what you need to know:

Travel

  • S Concord will remain closed between River Dr and Utah. The Davenport Compost Facility can be reached via Rockingham/Hwy 22 to Wapello to Railroad St.
  • River Dr will be closed on the west at Division to approximately Gaines, and on the east between Brady and 3rd St beginning on Wednesday, June 26. Information on detour routes will be posted.

Sand and Sandbags

  • Watch for an announcement on availability on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

Recreation

  • Credit Island will close to the public due to water over the causeway by mid-week.
  • The Riverfront Recreational Walk and Trail will begin to cover west to east starting at Credit Island; by late week water will cover most of the River Walk and encroach on Marquette, Centennial, and LeClaire Parks.
  • The boat docks at Marquette will be removed mid-week.

Facilities

  • The Freight House and Union Station are open for business. Information on potential impacts to the Freight House Farmer's Market on June 29 will be provided by mid-week when more is known about river levels.
  • Crews will begin placing temporary flood barriers at Modern Woodmen Park on Tuesday, June 25.
  • The River's Edge is open for business.

Special Events

  • Organizers are working on an alternate plan for Red White and Boom! Watch for news later this week.
  • The start location for Bix at 6 runs will be moved to 5th and Pershing until further notice.

Pumps and Other Preparations

  • Pumps are being placed and appropriate gates are being closed with river rise.

Watch for updates as we head into the week, and more is known about river stages and timing.

Find additional flood resources at www.bepreapreddavenport.com.

06.10.24
River levels have been hovering between 13 and 14 FT since initially rising on June 1. While current river level is at 13 FT, it is expected to begin rising again, reaching 14.2 FT on Sunday, June 16. For the near term, S Concord will remain closed between River Dr and Utah. Crews are monitoring conditions and we will keep the community updated should things change significantly.

05.30.24
Recent heavy rainfall across the Midwest is contributing to higher-than-normal river levels. According to current flood modeling by the National Weather Service, the Mississippi could rise slightly above the flood action stage of 13 FT to 14.1 FT by Saturday, June 1. While the anticipated river stage will cause few issues, crews are monitoring conditions and are placing appropriate flood control measures. For public safety, portions of S Concord between River Dr and Utah will be closed as river levels rise above 13.5 FT due to water over the road.


03.01.24
As our partners at the National Weather Service released their 2nd Spring Flood Outlook, it looks like we could be in for a break from seasonal riverfront flooding with a below-normal flood risk forecast. The outlook noted chances are likely to stay the same unless areas to the north receive above-normal precipitation, and right now, things look to be in our favor. Staff are prepared to switch gears should the need arise.

02.17.24
Our partners at the National Weather Service issued the first of three Spring Flood Outlook Briefings on February 15. As an early indicator of the types and depth of preparation needed, the City was pleased to learn that the chances of flooding this spring are below normal. With current chances of exceeding minor flood stage of 15 FT at 25% in early April, the City and riverfront community may get a breather from the hazard and inconvenience high river levels bring.

Although chances are low, as a resilient community, we will continue monitoring the forecast and prepare for river stages of 13 to 16 FT by performing preventive maintenance on flood systems and ensuring all equipment and resources are at the ready until the potential threat of flooding passes.

With a lower-than-normal flood threat this year, we encourage property owners and business managers located in the floodplain to use the time that may have been spent defending their property to take a look at ways to improve their preparedness for floods and reduce their flood risk by checking out our flood risk reduction resources at www.beprepareddavenport.com. On the site, owners and managers can find Flood Insurance Rate Maps, ways to floodproof, and more.

With this announcement, we also draw attention to ongoing steps Davenport is making toward a more resilient riverfront through the implementation of the Flood Resilience study at this link.

Watch for updates as the National Weather Service releases its next flood forecast in the coming weeks.