Hey,folks. An UPDATE from IOWA

[Condem]

Not much to say, really. Positive news,that is. Cedar Rapids is beyond belief. Iowa City is getting worse by the moment. The Iowa River is not expected to crest until the middle of next week. We're trying to save the University of Iowa's Memorial Union. Sandbagging goes on. Tomorrow, the water infiltration plant is the place to be. Evacuations continue by the thousands. And, Interstate 80 just closed for at least three days. To top it all off, the front has stalled over us, dumping rain all day and presently. Too late for prayers, GDP"ers. Somehow, it comforts me to give you great people the updates. Hope all is well with everybody.

[gateley]

1. Where are all the evacuees going TO?

Is FEMA involved?

Please take care and thanks for the update. You're all in our thoughts! :hug:

[Condem]

3. I can only speak for Iowa City, Gately

The Johnson County Fairgrounds and local homes. No FEMA yet as far as I can tell. That's a good thing. I did hear some CR shelters closed due to flooding, so I don't know wherer they're sending those people.

[Bettie]

15. CR People are going to a couple of schools in the area

One of their locations flooded earlier today, so they opened a different school.

The 500 year floodplain has now been passed right by and we're into the non-floodplain areas!

It is ugly.

[BeHereNow]

6. "Is FEMA involved?" God, I hope not the sake of the people impacted.

After all, the Katrina victims did not fare too well under FEMA.

I'm wondering if Blackwater has inserted itself yet.

The showed up in NOLA without any invitation-
bullying citizens as only illegal occupying forces can.

BHN

[cascadiance]

28. Yeah, Jeremy Scahill was VERY upset about that last night...

... when he spoke to us here in San Diego. He really wants to go after them for their illegal and armed incursion WITHOUT government approval into New Orleans...

I REALLY hope that they aren't doing that to Iowa City. Might be a bit harder for them to justify doing that. Might get the white folks (that might have let Katrina go) quite a bit more upset with this this time too if they do!

[eppur_se_muova]

35. Iowans are known for resourcefulness -- they will provide their own formaldehyde.

So no need for FEMA. :evilfrown:

[TheDoorbellRang]

2. It's just unbelievable

I saw some of it on the news. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

[stray cat]

4. I went to the U of I and was there when IC flooded in 93

This sounds worse. Do they think they will be able to protect the water plant? Also, there is a park near IC (coralville reservoir) with a lake and a dam - is that overflowing? Any news about Normandy drive evacuations yet?

Good luck and best wishes.

[Condem]

8. dmordue, much worse.

The water plant is where I'm going tomorrow. The Coralville Dam went over the spillway two days ago. We're cresting next week at 33 feet(some five feet above '93). But, it's still raining. Just for perspective. We're expected to lose all bridges that connect the east campus to the west side.

[stray cat]

11. All the bridges between the two campuses - that would be alot worse and unbelievable

Good luck sandbagging. Stay safe and thanks for your efforts. I was house sitting around Normandy drive when that area flooded. We sandbagged there but couldn't beat it back that year. I can't believe what it must be like this time around.

[Condem]

13. After the spillway breached..

They evacuated last night. It's gone.

[cascadiance]

36. Here's an "updating" graph of the flood stage and projected levels later next week...

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=dvn&gage=iowi4&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

[Condem]

39. It just went up downtown, cali

The University put in some kind of half dam that is fucking everything up. At Iowa Avenue. Pushing everything back upstream. Hence, the higher totals.

[FrenchieCat]

5. I'll keep on praying anyhow.......just in case.

really sorry about this. :(

[Condem]

9. Thanks, Frenchie.

I'm lucky. I'm on high ground.

[cascadiance]

29. I'm guessing that if isn't already done, noone will be steam tunneling any more in Iowa City...

... after this flood.

Some friends of mine were big into it when I went to school back in the 70's/80's. I'm guessing there's going to be quite a bit of damage to that that will probably take months if not years to fix.

[JimGinPA]

7. Yeah, I've Been Watching It On The News Too...

I have only been to Iowa City once, back in the early 70's, when a buddy of mine had a band playing in a little rock festival there. It was a wild weekend though.


I hope your loss isn't too great by the time the weather settles down there.

[Condem]

10. That's the problem, JimG

The weather isn't cooperating at all. At least 2 inches of rain, today.

[blondeatlast]

12. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep well and safe.

:hug:

[Swamp Rat]

14. I can relate.

- not that it helps. :hug:

[Condem]

17. Folks, the number of Obama T-shirts, today, sandbagging

I can't tell you how many. The only good news.

[Swamp Rat]

19. Are you in danger?

Flooding in your area? How many stories to the building you're in? If you have a bathtub, fill it now, and move food, water and linen to higher ground, and any tools you have. Locate any flotation devices and keep them handy.

:hug:

[Condem]

20. No, Swamp.

Thanks for your concern. We live on high ground. We bought a ton of water, just in case. The crazy thing about a river town- I'm less than a half mile from the shit. Have bike, will travel!

[cascadiance]

30. Also, if you can get cash from an ATM, get it NOW!

If the power goes off and ATM's go down, and you're needing to buy supplies from local stores, they're not going to be able to deal in credit or debit cards, or approve checks.

I recall when I was in the Loma Prieta Earthquake up in the bay area and we were without power for a few days, and without cash and no power any place, I had to grab my big money jar to get some quarter rolls to buy essentials like water and candles, etc., since I didn't have anything else handy then.

[silverojo]

48. Very good advice!

We keep a few hundred dollars in cash in our "tornado suitcase"--where we keep some clothes and essentials packed, in case we have to go to our neighbors' basement for shelter. (Given all the flooding of late, I'm almost glad we don't have a basement--despite being in tornado alley.)

I was in Grand Island, NE during the devastating tornadoes of 1980, which is how I learned what really happens in the wake of a disaster. There's always a run on ice, because people want to preserve their food, and keep their drinking water cold. I remember living on mostly cheese and crackers for a week (which is when all the utilities were up and running again).

In those days, help came quickly because Jimmy Carter was President, and FEMA was nonexistent.

Swamp Rat's advice is excellent, too, by the way. I'm going to make a note of it, just in case.

To those not affected by flooding yet, GET FLOOD INSURANCE, because your home insurance doesn't cover flood damage.

My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this godawful weather. PLEASE let it end soon.

[cbayer]

16. Ah, man. I heard the report on the radio.

Sounds horrible. I hope you stay well.

[Condem]

18. Thanks, cbayer!

Appreciate it! BTW, it's fucking pouring, right now, We're in big trouble.

[rebel with a cause]

21. Have never been in a flood,

but my heart goes out to you. May the powers that be look out for all of you tonight in Iowa and keep you safe from the rising waters.

[windbreeze]

22. Take care, stay safe, know you are in our thoughts....

I can't begin to imagine the horror everyone is going through...it is beyond...wish we could be there to help sandbag....wb

[Peacetrain]

23. Was in Iowa City Tuesday ...

Mayflower is flooded.. ugh...and got stuck Tuesday afternoon in Waterloo as they were closing down the streets..barely made it out.. what a mess..

[cascadiance]

31. I heard they are also evacuating Hawkeye Court now too...

[Peacetrain]

56. I just read that..

this morning..they evacuated yesterday.. did it get in the music building?? My son is in Iowa City.. but a few blocks away from the Iowa River..

[Radio_Lady]

24. K&R, Condem. I've never been to Iowa -- and only know it from musical theater.

"The Music Man" with Robert Preston -- some great songs.

But that was fantasy then and this is reality now.

The news has been covering it all day. I wish there were something I could do. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message.

K&R.

Radio Lady in Oregon

PS. They're calling it a 500 year flood.

[DenverDem23]

27. Iowa is a great state, I have been there several times... and a big one

where people are practical, care for each other, and know how to solve problems.

I am so sorry for all the loss, but it will be only property, not many lives. I heard about the boy scouts and was very sad. That is is Western Iowa, the flooding is 400 miles East in Eastern Iowa, on the Mississippi River flood plain..and other river areas. It's a major problem, but I doubt many would lose their lives with such a river flood plain problem. I hope you folks in Iowa re-design how you have cities and towns and colleges and flood plains over the next 10 years, so you don't have to deal with this ever again.

[Condem]

34. Thank you, Radio.

It means a ton!

[blogslut]

25. My heart is with you

Good thoughts.

[usregimechange]

26. Be safe, I have severe storms heading my way in MO as we speak.

[cascadiance]

32. Internet accesss may be lost soon...

http://press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS01/80612007

If you have a power generator and satellite service, you might be a "point of light" to reach the internet for folks around you...

[Condem]

33. Just got the latest, people

Portions of the Iowa River to crest at 38 feet in Iowa City. 10 feet above 1993. Methinks, we only built the sandbag wall, today to accommodate 34 feet. Oops. Looks like a lot of work ahead. I'd invite you all, but you can't GET here. One more drink, and then rest!

[saged52]

37. appreciate your update -

we were just in CR a week ago last Tuesday - stayed at the Crowne Plaza on 1st Ave. - and gave the server at Brick's Bar & Grille (on 2nd Ave. SE) a $20. tip to change the TV to MSNBC so I could watch Obama snag the nomination - she happily obliged. we were also in Iowa City/Coralville at the Harley dealer - and various other places around Iowa. I have relatives all over your wonderful state - I have been checking all the news updates/photos - it is utterly beyond belief.
we live near St. Louis - I think we are next on this bizarre weather agenda -
stay safe - our thoughts are constantly with you -

[Condem]

38. Thanks, saged

I keep thinking about Warren Zevon. The shit has hit the fan. It has.

[saged52]

43. not only do I love Warren Zevon -

but I agree w/you and him that the shit has indeed hit the fan - it's a hell of a lot worse 'up there' than anything I realized -
I also love Iowa - and Iowans - we'll be back in August -
hoping for dry dirt!

[Condem]

45. Good

You can help clean up!

[Blue Gardener]

58. Crowne Plaza in CR is flooded

As is everything else anywhere near downtown. The Harley dealer in Coralville is high and dry though!

[City Lights]

40. I caught some of their live coverage via the web earlier...horrible.

Absolutely horrible. :-( I keep checking my radar widget and can't believe what I'm seeing.

Thanks for the updates...I'll be thinking of you (and other DUers in the line of the storms) and hope you stay safe. :grouphug:

[Condem]

42. Shit, No Surrender

Now, more rain is predicted for Sunday.

[Critters2]

41. I grew up in Davenport, and have seen more floods than I care to remember.

I'm thinking of you all. I have friends in both CR and IC, and have told them they can come here if need be. In the meantime, we're closely watching the Fox River, which is a block from my house. So far, it's not over its banks. But we expect it to be soon.

My best to everyone in Iowa! :hi:

[Condem]

44. mycritters

you wouldn't believe the rain that's coming down. I just yelled at a neighbor as he tried to clear a street drain. It's fuckin useless! The water isn't going anywhere! We are truly fucked.

[Critters2]

51. I am so sorry. Can't imagine how you're feeling.

I'm supposed to go to Eagle Grove next weekend for a wedding. I've been wondering what roads might be closed between here and there if things don't improve. And then wondering what kind of a pall will be cast over the community in the wake of the Boy Scout deaths. It's all so sad.

We're under a tornado watch and a flash flood watch right now. So, there must be rain headed our way. But we've been VERY lucky thus far.

I'll keep you all in my prayers!

[fishwax]

46. we almost moved to Iowa City a few years ago

but wound up taking a different offer elsewhere. I lived in CR for a few summers as a kid, though, and still have a great fondness for the region. Thanks for the updates, Condem, and know that the thoughts of many across the country are with all of Iowa :hug:

[Condem]

47. Almost chicken don't make soup, fishwax

It's the greatest town in the country. Indeed. And right now, it brings out its very best! Thanks!

[Peacetrain]

57. Condem stay safe,...

thinking about you and the other in Iowa City, CR, Waterloo...and all the little towns around it.. My son is in Iowa City also.. The Peoples Republic of Johnson County ;) is made of strong people, and strong stuff.. yours was the first set of posts I checked this morning.. thanks for the updates from the front lines

[roguevalley]

49. I am so very sorry for everyone. It must feel like the end of the

world. You are all in my prayers.

[Condem]

50. Thanks, rogue

I'll check in tomorrow.

[cascadiance]

52. Check how much Cedar Rapids is "under water" today...

... with the front page of the Gazette now!

http://www.gazetteonline.com/

[happyiowan]

53. Hey Fellow Iowans and Wellwishers

I just walked in the door. It's dicey out there. We're beyond predictions and now we're just doing the best we can. The situation seems to be changing by the minute.

My Iowans - stay safe. Wellwisher- it helps knowing you noticed our flooding and that you care. It helps a lot.

[Cha]

54. Condem! We're

rootin' for you and thanks for giving us those personal updates. :hug:

[DangerousRhythm]

55. Stay safe!

That is just frightening. We had bad flooding here several years back during Tropical Storm Allison and I can really sympathize with you because that was one of the worst, scariest times I can remember. It's awful when the water is flooding in and you know it's all beyond your control and all you can do is try to salvage what you can before the water gets to it and before it rises up to where your outlets are. Very dangerous. Weather is just horrifying sometimes.

I hope it gets better there very soon.

P.S. - Don't forget to stock up on some canned goods, just in case!

[1776Forever]

59. Obama.com has a link for donations

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Being in Florida I went through 3 hurricanes in a few months back in 2004 and I know how hopeless things seem. You are going through even more then we did! I can only hope things will get better for you soon!

Take care!

:grouphug: