City of Cedar Rapids, IA
City of Cedar Rapids, IA
30/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 30/06/2024 14:55
Latest Cedar River Flooding Updates
We are continually monitoring Cedar River levels and taking proactive steps to protect residents and businesses as the river rises. To stay informed, sign up for CR News Now text/email alerts or download our app, Mobile CR, for instant updates on current conditions.
Jump to: Road Closures | Park & Trail Closures | Recent Updates
Current Conditions
Cedar River Expected Crest Level*: 14.1 feet (moderate flood stage)
Expected Crest Date: Saturday, June 29
Current Protection Level**: 16 feet
Current Protection Efforts: Boat ramps and river access points closed, storm sewer manholes plugged, staff managing pumps and monitoring traffic control at road closures.
Current & Projected River Levels Map:National Weather Service
*We will continue to monitor the forecast, as it may fluctuate as additional data comes in.
**We have the ability to increase the level of protection should conditions warrant.
Road Closures
Residents are asked to heed all road barricades and to not drive through standing water.
Expected road closures:- Otis Rd SE from Cargill south to Prairie Park Fishery Entrance east of RR crossing
- Ellis Road from River Bluff Road to Covington Road
- Old River Rd SW from Ely Rd to Sunshine Ct SW
Park & Trail Closures
The following park facilities will be closed in preparation for high water. Closed facilities will reopen after the water has receded and clean up has been performed.
- Cheyenne Dog Park closed beginning Friday
- Access to Robins Lake closed
- Manhattan pavilion closed and parking lot barricaded
- ADA dock near Ellis Park closed
- Trail from Ellis Boat Harbor to Ellis Road is being monitored and may be closed
- Prairie Park ADA fishing pier closed
- Cole Street trailhead closed to Bertram trailhead
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail closed from 8th Avenue to 16th Avenue
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail closed from Tait Cummins to the A Street landfill
- Prairie Park Fishery trail closed
- The backside of Seminole Valley Park closed (where the air strip is)
Ellis Harbor
The expected water level will make the main channel boat ramp and EEE side at Ellis Boat Harbor inaccessible. It is recommended that any property on the EE or EEE side be removed by noon on Wednesday.
We will continue to monitor park facilities in flood-prone areas for any additional closures.
Boat Ramps & Cedar River Access
Boat ramps and Cedar River access points will close at 8 PM on Thursday, June 27. Tentative reopening schedule is 8 AM on Sunday, June 30. This includes boat ramps at:
- Mohawk Park,
- Ellis Boat Ramp,
- Valor Way,
- Prairie Park Fishery, and
- All walk-in points
Recent Updates
Sunday, June 30: 9:30 AM
The Cedar River crested at 2:00 AM Saturday at 13.86 feet and started falling at about 7 AM. As of 8 this morning, the river is at 12.12 ft.
We're currently working on opening the Boat ramps to allow access to the river. We are also opening Ellis Rd from Cedar Bluff to Covington Rd (west of Edgewood Rd.; 1st street NW from O Ave NW to Penn Ave NW; and Penn Ave NW from Ellis Blvd to 1st St NW. We will continue to monitor a few plug and pump locations as needed.
Friday, June 28 // 4:15 PM
The crest forecast remains at 14.1 feet. Crews are working to upgrade the City's flood protection level to 16 feet out of an abundance of caution. The process will be updated as needed if the forecast changes.
- Boat ramps and river access remain closed.
- Pumps are staged in areas with stormwater plugs, ready to pump rainwater back into the river as necessary.
- Detention basins have been filling with water as expected.
- Signage is being added to warn visitors at Riverside Park and near the Bowling Street detention basin not to swim in detention basins.
The "Big Rove Ride" special event will continue as scheduled. We worked with the event coordinators to adjust the ride route in areas where the Cedar Valley Nature Trail is closed due to flooding.
Staff will continue 24-hour operations and monitoring throughout the weekend.
Friday, June 28 // Noon
Factoring in today's rainfall, the National Weather Service updated the expected crest to 14.1 feet - just above moderate flood stage. The crest is anticipated early Saturday morning. Several roads, trails, and park facilities are closed. All boat ramps and river access points are closed for your safety.
Protection measures are in place to a 15 foot flood crest, and impacts are not anticipated to homes or businesses. We have the ability to increase the level of protection should conditions warrant.
Staff are running 24-hour operations monitoring pumps and other protection efforts. We remain in close contact with the National Weather Service for any changes to crest predictions.
Thursday, June 27 // 2:30 PM
Boat ramps and Cedar River access points will close at 8 PM on Thursday, June 27. Tentative reopening schedule is 8 AM on Sunday, June 30. Learn more.
Tuesday, June 25 // 11 AM
The National Weather Service updated the expected crest to 14.5 feet anticipated on Saturday. Several park facilities have closed in preparation for high water.
Our scheduled protection level remains sufficient for the current predicted crest, with the ability to increase the level of protection should conditions warrant.
Monday, June 24 // 2 PM
The National Weather Service updated the expected crest to 13.4 feet anticipated on Friday.
We will have crews on standby to monitor protection measures around the clock as the river rises and remain in close contact with the National Weather Service for any changes to these crest predictions.
Sunday, June 23 // 10 AM
Areas north of Cedar Rapids received quite a bit of rain over the weekend, and are forecast to get more. Because of this, the Cedar River is expected to begin rising on Tuesday and is expected to crest Thursday at 14.7 feet.
Action stage for the Cedar River is 10 feet, and minor flood stage is 12 feet. So we will be preparing for action similar to the last event in May, when the river crested at 13.06 feet.
With protection measures in place, impacts are not anticipated to homes or businesses.
We will remain in close contact with the National Weather Service for any changes to these crest predictions. For the latest info on river levels, visit here.