Now concerned with flooding
Read more: Local, Environment, Weather, Skunk River, Augusta, Flood, Ice, Lee County Emergency Management Agency, Des Moines County Sheriff
AUGUSTA, IA. -- Things are slowly getting back to normal for the small Iowa town of Augusta.
An ice jam on the nearby Skunk River flooded the town last week, that water froze, leaving most of the town under ice.
KHQA's Jarod Wells headed back to Augusta Tuesday, February 2nd to see if it had started to thaw.
Augusta resident Gerald Lampe said, "I've never seen this before."
Gerald Lampe has lived in Augusta since 1972.
Lampe said, "'73 they had the flood, it was more water, but it came up slower. And then it came up through the day, but this year it came up through the night."
Someone from the Des Moines County Sheriff's office woke Lampe on the night of the flood. He was able to get ready for the fast rising water.
Lampe said, "Otherwise, I would've probably lost the car and truck, too."
Lampe's basement was full of water, but so far the only damage has been to some carpet. All his appliances are on the first floor.
Lampe said, "That's from years ago. After that flood, I moved everything up above."
The Lee County Emergency Management Agency says two things can happen with the ice jam. Temperatures could rise quickly, which would cause the river to flow around the jam and flood nearby areas. The second thing that could happen...temperatures could rise slowly, warming the river and melting the ice. This also could cause flooding, but not as severe.
Lampe said, "Just wait and see. That's all you can do is what until, hopefully, it warms up through the day and freezes at night and gradually runs it down the river. That's all you can do."
The Lee County Emergency Agency is warning residents they may need to evacuate.
Citizens that live along the Skunk River or any other rivers, creeks, etc are advised to pay close attention to the status of the river and any warnings that may be issued. They are also advised to 1. Get a kit 2. Make a plan and 3. Stay informed. Residents should also purchase sandbags prior to flooding so that they will be available in the event of a flood. For more information on disaster preparedness visit www.ready.gov, www.bereadyiowa.org, or contact your local emergency management coordinator.
