Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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Flood Watch 1

KHQA wants to keep you in the know with information on area river conditions.

You can read the latest stories below and check up-to-date reports from the National Weather Service.

**Sandbagging Locations****Road Closures**
Levee Locations MapLevee Definitions 

See photos of flooding
in Tri-State area

Share your flooding
experiences
 

**If you have any flood related info,
call KHQA at 1-800-935-7070**

Location

'93 Highest Crest'08 Crest (Expected)

Location

'93 Highest Crest'08 Crest (Expected)
Burlington 25.1' (7/10/93)25.73' (6/17/08)Keokuk LD 19 27.58' (7/10/93)26.92' (6/17/08)
Gregory Landing 28.49' (7/9/93)n/aCanton LD 20 27.88' (7/9/93)27' (6/22/08)
Quincy 32.13' (7/13/93)29.4' (6/25/08)Quincy LD 21 32.3' (7/13/93)28.4' (6/25/08)
Hannibal 31.8' (7/15/93)29.7' (6/26/08)Saverton LD 22 29.58' (7/25/93)28.2' (6/26/08)
Louisiana 28.4' (7/28/93)27.1' (6/27/08)Clarksville LD 24 37.5' (7/29/93)36.9' (6/27/08)
Winfield LD 25 39.62' (8/1/93)37.5' (6/27/08)   

KHQA's coverage of area flooding

Quincy riverfront flooding   

The Quincy Park District is still finishing up some paperwork with FEMA from last summer's flooding.

Louisiana looking for flood gates   

City Administrator Bob Jenne said he has put in a notice of interest for flood gates to the State Hazard Mitigation Program.

Hannibal sets in flood gates   

The Mississippi River reached 17 feet in Hannibal Tuesday morning, which is one foot over the flood stage.

Pipeline construction halted   

As 18 inches of water crept in around the the Rockies Express Pipeline construction area, crews were forced to shut down and get out.

Lima Lake & Indian Graves update   

Things are looking a bit better in northern Adams County.

Latest Tri-state river stages   

The Tri-States is bracing for another round of possible flooding.   Heavy rains are prompting renewed flooding concerns.  Flood Warnings continue for areas affected by the Mississippi River.  Here is the latest river stage and expected crestsinformation.

Flooding in Hannibal   

Hannibal is gearing up to put the flood gates in.

Adams County levee repair not done   

Sadly, the flood of 2008 isn't over.

Tri-state flood documentary meeting   

Researchers from WIU are giving residents affected by this summer's flooding a chance to speak out by putting together a documentary.

Gulfport, Il. still recovering   

Most of the Tri-State cities hit hard by the floods are starting to get back to normal, but some are still struggling to recover.We revisited the city of Gulfport, IL, one of the hardest hit by the spring floods. Water reached levels of up to 14 feet.

American Queen in Hannibal   

Hannibal waters on the rise   

Sny Island Drainage District receives $2.7 million   

 The Sny Island Drainage District has received the first big reimbursment check for this summer's flooding. According to superintendent Mike Reed, the district got two point seven million dollars. The majority of that has gone toward paying off bills from the use of heavy equipment, like bulldozers, four wheelers, and gators.

Road Closings for 9/14/08   

Road Closings for 9/14/08

Heavy rains in the Tri-States   

Study says poor suffered most in Iowa flooding   

A new study says low-income people were hit hardest by this year's flooding and that the state should take this into account when designing its rebuilding plans. The study by the Iowa Fiscal Partnership focused on Cedar Rapids, which saw the most significant flooding. It found that the poverty rate of those impacted by the floods in Cedar Rapids was nearly 13 percent, far higher than the city generally and twice as high as Linn County's overall rate.

Iowa City to seek buyout of flooded homes   

Iowa City is moving forward with a plan to seek a buyout for each of the 245 homes that were damaged in June's record flooding. City council members, during a work session on Monday, say while only so much federal money will be available, it's best to give everyone a shot at a buyout.

Gov. Blunt asks Ag Dept. for assistance   

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare 67 Missouri counties natural disaster areas. Blunt sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer on Monday asking him to declare the 67 counties as natural disaster areas for agricultural losses due to excessive moisture and flooding related damages.

Volunteers help families in South Indian Graves   

Even though the flood waters have gone down in some areas, many families are left cleaning up after the destruction.

Regents study possible sale of mural   

The Iowa Board of Regents has agreed to study a possible sale of a famous Jackson Pollock painting at the University of Iowa to help pay for flood recovery on campus. Regent Michael Gartner raised the idea during a regents meeting on Thursday on Cedar Falls.

Loebsack meets with flood victims   

Congressman Dave Loebsack is meeting with flood victims across Iowa to get a first hand understanding of the problems they are facing after the flooding. The congressman sat down with victims in Keokuk Thursday morning and listened to their stories of how the flood waters damaged their lands and homes.

Old county flood plain maps cause for concern   

Iowa officials estimate it will cost $15 million to bring Iowa up to speed on flood plain maps. Only 50 of Iowa's 99 counties have complete maps that meet federal standards. The outdated or incomplete maps are problems because large parts of the state face unknown risks and don't qualify for federal flood insurance.

Culver says flood's impact could hit $10 billion   

Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday that Iowas overall financial losses from flooding could push as high as $10 billion. Culver also says he has invited House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other federal leaders to come to Iowa to view damage first hand in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and other areas damaged by flooding.

Hannibal to pursue flood buyout program   

The city of Hannibal is exploring a buyout of homes affected by this summer's flood. The Hannibal City Council on Tuesday agreed to develop a draft program that would be brought back to the council for review.

Some leaders worry over flood funding   

Some southeastern Iowa leaders are worried that hurricane season damage could jeopardize federal allocations for Midwest flood recovery. Among them are State Rep. Tom Sands, R-Columbus Junction, and that city's mayor, Dan Wilson. They say they are worried about federal allocations for Iowa if other parts of the country require massive disaster relief.

Clarksville residents need your help   

Clarksville residents are asking for your help to remove thousands of sandbags from their homes and businesses.

Salt River flooding update   

Water continues to fall on Mark Twain Lake. Tuesday afternoon the water level was at six hundred thirty-one point two feet and falling.

Mark Twain Lake update   

Water continues to fall on Mark Twain Lake today. The water level was at 633.8 feet this morning and falling.

Dear project online   

Corps reopens Mark Twain Lake   

Boaters will soon be returning to Mark Twain Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it plans to reopen the lake to boaters Monday afternoon with some restrictions. For example, boating will be restricted to daylight hours and prohibited within 1,000 feet of the front of Clarence Cannon Dam.

Illinois flood aid exceeds $9 million   

Federal authorities say they have approved more than $9.7 million in disaster assistance grants for Illinois residents who suffered damages and losses from the severe storms and flooding that struck the state between June 1 and July 22.

Winfield residents remove sandbags   

Volunteers have started removing the hundreds of thousands of sandbags used to keep floodwaters at bay in the northeast Missouri town of Winfield. More than a month has passed since the Mississippi River inundated the town. A 4-foot tall sandbag wall that residents and others built between the river and city five weeks ago had remained.

Regents still unsure of flood's impact on budgets   

The Iowa Board of Regents says it may be months before the impact flooding will have on the budgets for the University of Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa is fully known. The proposed 2008-09 budgets for the three state universities have not yet been adjusted as a result of the flood and its impact.

Emergency loans approved for railways   

The Iowa Railway Finance Authority has approved $4 million in emergency loans to help seven railroads repair track damaged by recent floods. The funding comes from the Rail Revolving Loan and Grant Program, which will offer 15-year loans at 0 percent interest. It also defers loan payments until January 2011.

Lawmakers say more disaster funding will come   

Three members of Iowa's congressional delegation say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has assured them that Congress will provide more disaster-related funding. Reps. Leonard Boswell, Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack, all Democrats, say Pelosi promised the funding would be approved before Congress adjourns at the end of September.

Businesses hurt by Mark Twain Lake flooding   

Homeowners and farmers aren't the only ones hurting during this flood.  Many business owners in the popular tourist spot are losing much of their year's income during what is normally their peak tourist season.

No disaster declaration yet for Salt River basin   

There is help available for flood victims, but for now it's not coming from the State or Federal governments.

Water going down on Mark Twain Lake   

No rain overnight Wednesday is good news for officials with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Harkin says $10 billion on way for Midwest flood relief   

Senator Tom Harkin says more than $10 billion in disaster aid, including $182 million for a new federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids, has the backing of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Harkin says not all of the money is earmarked for Iowa, but since the state was the hardest hit by flooding last month, much of the funding will be directed here.

Water Patrol closes Salt R. below Mark Twain Lake   

The Missouri State Water Patrol has closed a large portion of the Salt River from the Clarence Cannon Dam to the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri. The closure is effective immediately because large releases of water from Mark Twain Lake are resulting in unsafe currents and debris. Boaters won't be allowed on that part of the river.

Iowa expert says decent corn crop still possible   

A grain expert says Iowa could see a decent harvest despite this year's devastating flooding. Iowa State Extension analyst Chad Hart on Wednesday told a state panel that Iowa should harvest about 93 percent of the corn planted. That's more optimistic than earlier estimates, when state officials speculated that 20 percent of the corn crop and 10 percent of soybeans were ruined.

Electricity to area homes not in danger   

Cannon Dam releasing more water from Mark Twain Lake   

The flood waters in the Salt River Basin in northeast Missouri are inching higher as the Corps of Engineers continues to ramp up the water releases from the Cannon Dam.

Spencer Creek flooding   

We'd heard a report that Ralls County had issued a voluntary evacuation order for those living in the Spencer Creek bottoms.

Call for sandbaggers at Mark Twain Lake   

Officials are still asking for additional sandbaggers to fight the rising Mark Twain Lake.If you would like to volunteer, they can go to the project office in Ralls County to check-in.

Residents evacuate, now separated from homes   

As the water releases go up, residents along the Salt River are beginning to see flood waters edging into their fields and homes.

Officials: Flooding damage to roads at $30 million   

Iowa officials say emergency repairs to Iowa's roads are costing about $30 million and climbing. State officials say the funding has been needed after record flooding last month. Flooding forced the closure of 464 miles of Iowa's state highway system, including 303 bridges and culverts.

Flooding, heavy rain causes $40 million in soil damage   

A new survey shows that Iowa's soil and water conservation structures have suffered $40 million worth of damage as a result of heavy rain and flooding this year. The survey by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship shows that an estimated 2.3 million acres, about 10 percent of Iowa's cropland, has suffered severe erosion damage, which is defined as the loss of 20 tons or more of soil per acre.

Spencer Creek residents move to higher ground   

Ralls County Sheriff Paul Forney issued an urgent request Wednesday morning for all residents of the Spencer Creek Bottoms. Sheriff Forney asked anyone who lived in the area to move to higher ground.

MODOT anticipates more road closures   

Area River Levels

As of 10:58 a.m. on 7-7-08

River

Flood Stage (ft)

Current Level (ft)

Change

Mississippi  
Burlington15'13.64'n/a
Fort Madison528' (sea level)527.27' (sea level)n/a
Keokuk LD 1916'12.59'n/a
Gregory Landing15'n/an/a
Canton LD 2014'14.8'n/a
Quincy17'17.4'n/a
Quincy LD 2117'16.8'n/a
Hannibal16'18.28'n/a
Saverton LD 2216'17.45'n/a
Louisiana15'17.77'n/a
Clarksville LD 2425'28.62'n/a
Winfield LD 2526'30.97'n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois
Beardstown14'15.62'n/a
La Grange LD23'21.25'n/a
Meredosia432' (sea level)434.14' (sea level)n/a
Valley City11'15.47'n/a
Hardin25'30.93'n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Des Moines
Keosauqua22'20.17'n/a
St. Francisville18'18.81'n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fox
Wayland15'2.15'n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fabius   
Middle at NNE Ewing12'3.7'n/a
North at E Ewing15'4.05'n/a
South at SW Taylor9.5'2.97'n/a
Flood of '93 Factsheet 
What to know about flood safety from the American Red Cross

What to expect...

  • Know your area's flood risk, if unsure, call your local American Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
  • If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
  • Watch KHQA, visit khqa.com and listen to local radio stations for flood information.

Reduce potential flood damage by...

  • Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
  • Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods can take several hours to days to develop...

  • A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
  • A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop...

  • A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
  • A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a family disaster plan...

  • Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
  • Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit including...

  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • At least three gallons of water per person.
  • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
  • Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places...a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH is issued...

  • Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
  • Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a Flood WARNING is issued...

  • Watch KHQA, visit khqa.com and listen to local radio stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a Flash Flood WATCH is issued...

  • Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING is issued...

  • Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades...they are there for your safety.
  • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
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