NWS: Flooding Not Expected Along Maquoketa River

While historic flooding is impacting parts of northwest Iowa, forecasters say those kinds of floodwaters are not expected here.

National Weather Service Senior Service Hydrologist Matthew Wilson says flooding is not expected along the Maquoketa River. The largest rain event over the weekend missed most of the river basin to the north. As of Tuesday morning, the Maquoketa River in Manchester sits at 5.83 feet and falling, with a flow of 550 cubic feet per second.

Wilson says on the Wapsi River, they are expecting the lower stretch of the river, around DeWitt, to reach near eleven-point-five feet by the end of the weekend. 

The Mississippi River in Dubuque is forecast to see moderate flooding by Thursday.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim Reynolds announced Monday night that President Biden has approved Iowa’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that have happened this past week.

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are now authorized to provide assistance to Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux counties. Governor Reynolds will continue to request additional counties as more information is collected.

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH