8 die as violent weather tears across Midwest, 3 states declare disaster areas; more rain, flooding

[melissinha]

Source: MSNBC

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Large swaths of three Midwest states were declared disaster areas as days of vicious storms and flooding forced rescuers into boats and residents to flee flooded communities. The death toll stood at eight and more rain was forecast Monday.

In Indiana, President Bush late Sunday declared a major disaster in 29 counties after up to 10 inches of rain caused record flooding along already swollen rivers. "Flood water levels are greater in some locations than they were during the great Indiana flood of 1913," the U.S. Geological Survey reported, and "more heavy rainfall is predicted for tonight."

In Wisconsin, Gov. Jim Doyle sought emergency aid for 29 counties. "This thing came on fast with such a radical deluge of water that people were describing going from a feeling of security to waist-deep water in a matter or 15 or 20 minutes," he said Sunday.

In Iowa, Gov. Chet Culver said nearly a third of his state's 99 counties need federal help. Hundreds of people were asked to move away from flooded areas in the region, and in some cases, such as in parts of Wisconsin, dozens were evacuated.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25020185/?GT1=43001

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This is STILL going on. My grandmother was evacuated this morning from her home in Iowa. The water levels are 2 feet above the last record breaking level in my hometown and my uncle reports that it doesn't appear to have crested. Please keep the people of the Midwest in mind right now, its not over.

[futureliveshere]

1. My prayers are with all the affected people.

I hope that GWB and the other idiots are able to respond effectively THIS time.

[Spouting Horn]

2. I sure hope they

aren't waiting for Washington DC to come to the rescue...

[emmadoggy]

3. May I ask where your Grandma lives?

It's terrible all over eastern Iowa right now - but especially so in north-central and northeast Iowa.

Decorah's previous flood record was 15.2 feet, set in 1941. This morning they hit 17.9 feet. Charles City has been unable to get a river level because the gage is under water. Needless to say, they have a new record too. Mason City is in bad shape, as are towns all over. Iowa City is bracing for the worst.

Hubby and I live in a high location so no trouble for us other than a sump pump running like crazy. Many, many others are not so fortunate. This weather has just been insane lately. :-(

[melissinha]

4. Decorah Iowa

She lives on the West Side near the GreenHouse Nursery and a block away from the former "green bridge", looks like that West Side and lower East Side were completely evacuated. Most churches and Luther College are being used as shelters..

yeah I read on Decorah Newspaper and DecoraNews about those levels... its already close to 18 feet which is almost 3 feet above last record and dangerously close to overcoming the College Drive Bridge... Now THATS HIGH.

Luckily my Uncle lives uphill East Side so she is safe now, wondering how much flooding has happened in Goose Island: City Hall, Police Station and Post Office.

You stay safe emmadoggy... my prayers are with you... hope you have eletricity and food.

[emmadoggy]

5. Thanks, mellisinha,

we are fine here.

I'm in Waukon - so just a short hop to the east of your family. Glad they are safe. Good thing your uncle is on the hill.

Yeah, if it's threatening the College Drive bridge, that IS incredible. I know that Claiborne Dr. by the high school is closed. As are College Dr. and Iowa Ave. and the 5th Ave. bridge. I keep hearing conflicting reports about Hwy. 52 - one said it's open, but the other said it's closed. I'm thinking it is probably closed.
Our neighbor said he had gone over to help someone get a car moved and he said there is just water everywhere. Hope it starts receding soon and quickly!

[melissinha]

6. looks like it crested in Decorah

http://www.decorahnewspaper.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=17746

It has started to receed BUT you have 30 % chance precipitation for tomorrow and 40% for Wednesday...

News stated many homes have flooded in Charles City and I saw some pretty scary footage of a home floating down the river in Wisconsin..... Man now I am worried about my uncle and cousin WI... Rain sucks!!!

Stay safe people!!

[melissinha]

7. Ft Atkinson

Have you heard reports that there was a bridge collapse in Ft Atkinson???? Yikes!