I came across this website showing some of the damage to the roads and bridges around the state.
Click here
Friday, June 13, 2008
Floods of 08 - June 13
Just a quick update today, after not having the internet I headed to the library to catch up. Plus City Hall was moved here and I wasn't sure where to pay my bill or what blue mail boxes I could use.
Luckily the City ladies were able to help me out. They gladly took my bill & check, just weren't sure when it would go to the bank.
They said that Denver is picking up the mail out of the main box by the post office. Sounds like our post office will be closed for another few days. We had figured that since we didn't get mail on Mon or Tues, I think it started again on Wed. It's so hard to keep track of the days.
We received word that our Cardinal fan cousins are OK, they ended up putting out 500-700 sandbags and the local hardware store came out to put in another sump pump. So only minor flooding for them. They are looking for some volunteers to help move things back to the basement and to get rid of the sandbags.
Thankfully everyone we know is OK.
Luckily the City ladies were able to help me out. They gladly took my bill & check, just weren't sure when it would go to the bank.
They said that Denver is picking up the mail out of the main box by the post office. Sounds like our post office will be closed for another few days. We had figured that since we didn't get mail on Mon or Tues, I think it started again on Wed. It's so hard to keep track of the days.
We received word that our Cardinal fan cousins are OK, they ended up putting out 500-700 sandbags and the local hardware store came out to put in another sump pump. So only minor flooding for them. They are looking for some volunteers to help move things back to the basement and to get rid of the sandbags.
Thankfully everyone we know is OK.
Flood of 08 - June 12
The great cleanup has begun with rumors of more flooding and a crest on Sat. There are piles all over town with debris from homes and businesses.
My brother was in town helping his friend clean out his business so we stopped into help out. They had already washed everything down but it's weird working in a downtown business with out lights. We helped to pull up the old linoleum and then pull or hammer in the nails. I kept thinking an area was done and then we'd sweep and I'd get my pant leg caught on another nail or I'd step on one.
The side walks downtown were barely passable with everything from the different businesses. There were computers, cubicle walls, chairs bookcases, desks, carpeting, flooring, drywall, you name it and I think it was there.
Our internet was down today. It's amazing how much we rely on technology. No email, no checking the flood stage website, and of course no internet surfing.
I am so thankful that we didn't have water damage and that we were able to help out a little.
No pictures today they were all on film.
My brother was in town helping his friend clean out his business so we stopped into help out. They had already washed everything down but it's weird working in a downtown business with out lights. We helped to pull up the old linoleum and then pull or hammer in the nails. I kept thinking an area was done and then we'd sweep and I'd get my pant leg caught on another nail or I'd step on one.
The side walks downtown were barely passable with everything from the different businesses. There were computers, cubicle walls, chairs bookcases, desks, carpeting, flooring, drywall, you name it and I think it was there.
Our internet was down today. It's amazing how much we rely on technology. No email, no checking the flood stage website, and of course no internet surfing.
I am so thankful that we didn't have water damage and that we were able to help out a little.
No pictures today they were all on film.
Floods of 08 - June 11
The river crested yesterday and slowly started to receded.
This morning the water was off of Horton Road and we were able to reach the west side of town. We headed off to Wal-Mart to stock up since rain was forecast for the rest of the week and we didn't know how long the road would be open.
Going out we drove up around by Carey school, the water tower and the VFW (where our wedding reception was). Then came down past Wartburg and saw the remains of the water around the wartburg tennis courts. We threaded past the High School and then between the golf course to the old 218 into town.
The national guard was posted at the stoplight by the cemetery, stopping people from going down the hill to Burger King. From pictures on the internet, that whole area was under water all the way up to the fair grounds.
I had fun going through WM and getting the supplies we needed. Boyd thought I took to long, I was just enjoying walking around. ;)
I think I have pictures somewhere, not sure where as the days have blended together and I don't remember which camera was used. Sigh!
This morning the water was off of Horton Road and we were able to reach the west side of town. We headed off to Wal-Mart to stock up since rain was forecast for the rest of the week and we didn't know how long the road would be open.
Going out we drove up around by Carey school, the water tower and the VFW (where our wedding reception was). Then came down past Wartburg and saw the remains of the water around the wartburg tennis courts. We threaded past the High School and then between the golf course to the old 218 into town.
The national guard was posted at the stoplight by the cemetery, stopping people from going down the hill to Burger King. From pictures on the internet, that whole area was under water all the way up to the fair grounds.
I had fun going through WM and getting the supplies we needed. Boyd thought I took to long, I was just enjoying walking around. ;)
I think I have pictures somewhere, not sure where as the days have blended together and I don't remember which camera was used. Sigh!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Floods of 08 .... Tuesday (6/10)
Boyd burst into the bedroom at 5:58 AM and asked if I wanted to ride along to town. I figured I'd better go with in case he got lost. The boy just doesn't know the area very well but I love him anyway.
So we piled into the truck with Buddie and headed out. We went down the river road and it was lapping at the edge of the road. Pelican park is totally underwater and the houses across the street are now surrounded. The grassy area before 5th St was filling up too. I knew that wasn't a good sign of what was to come around town.
We headed out the alternate entrance and found that Horton Road was underwater. As I looked to the West the river was huge and the water was rushing over the road. I hope that the horses that use to live to the east of the road we moved to higher ground.
Here's the road - it looked like the bridge was still dry which is a good thing.
Water rushing over the road
The head start which is usually 2-3 blocks from the river.
Bremer Ave - they are moving the barricades from 2nd St to 3rd St.
We stopped by Mom's and got her out of bed. I just wanted to make sure her sump pump was working and the basement didn't have too many leaks. Things were good there so we headed home.
We ended up driving 12 miles to get to what is usually a 5 min 1.5 mile trip.
I love living in a river town!
So we piled into the truck with Buddie and headed out. We went down the river road and it was lapping at the edge of the road. Pelican park is totally underwater and the houses across the street are now surrounded. The grassy area before 5th St was filling up too. I knew that wasn't a good sign of what was to come around town.
We headed out the alternate entrance and found that Horton Road was underwater. As I looked to the West the river was huge and the water was rushing over the road. I hope that the horses that use to live to the east of the road we moved to higher ground.
Here's the road - it looked like the bridge was still dry which is a good thing.
Water rushing over the road
The head start which is usually 2-3 blocks from the river.
Bremer Ave - they are moving the barricades from 2nd St to 3rd St.
We stopped by Mom's and got her out of bed. I just wanted to make sure her sump pump was working and the basement didn't have too many leaks. Things were good there so we headed home.
We ended up driving 12 miles to get to what is usually a 5 min 1.5 mile trip.
I love living in a river town!
Floods of 08 - Monday night
Once Boyd got home from work we headed out to the local Fareway store. I know Boyd had stopped for the essentials but they had a great sale and we needed some fresh meat.
So we headed out and were shocked to see the water getting close to the edge of Horton Road. We got to 5th Ave NW and it was blocked off, the water was over most of the park and edging past 4th Ave NW. We made the mistake of skirting up 2nd St NW. It was so full of people helping to sandbag and the gawkers. The water was halfway up the avenues and getting to the edge of St. Pauls church.
We made it to Fareway and were shocked to find the store still open and very few sandbags out. It also wasn't too busy so I made a quick trip through the store.
From there we headed over to the East side, the river looked to be 2 feet from the top of the dam. 1st St NE was closed and City Hall looked like it was in a lake. We headed towards Cedar Lane and I hopped out to take pics. Of course the good camera still uses film so I'll have to wait a bit for those pics. Anyway I barely walked around the first corner and there was the river. I expanded out the zoom and as far as I could see the river was across the road.
Then I asked Boyd to head to the Green Bridge, it is usually so high above the river. I was surprised to see the number of people hanging out around the bridge. It was closed off from vehicles but people were still walking across. Considering that I could have reached through the grates at the bottom of the bridge and touched the water there's no way I would walk on it. Unfortunately again I used the film camera. :( As we past by the Amvets and little league diamonds the diamonds were totally under water.
From there we headed home, we had burgers to grill and tator tots to bake. We are thankful for where we live and that our house is high above the river.
So we headed out and were shocked to see the water getting close to the edge of Horton Road. We got to 5th Ave NW and it was blocked off, the water was over most of the park and edging past 4th Ave NW. We made the mistake of skirting up 2nd St NW. It was so full of people helping to sandbag and the gawkers. The water was halfway up the avenues and getting to the edge of St. Pauls church.
We made it to Fareway and were shocked to find the store still open and very few sandbags out. It also wasn't too busy so I made a quick trip through the store.
From there we headed over to the East side, the river looked to be 2 feet from the top of the dam. 1st St NE was closed and City Hall looked like it was in a lake. We headed towards Cedar Lane and I hopped out to take pics. Of course the good camera still uses film so I'll have to wait a bit for those pics. Anyway I barely walked around the first corner and there was the river. I expanded out the zoom and as far as I could see the river was across the road.
Then I asked Boyd to head to the Green Bridge, it is usually so high above the river. I was surprised to see the number of people hanging out around the bridge. It was closed off from vehicles but people were still walking across. Considering that I could have reached through the grates at the bottom of the bridge and touched the water there's no way I would walk on it. Unfortunately again I used the film camera. :( As we past by the Amvets and little league diamonds the diamonds were totally under water.
From there we headed home, we had burgers to grill and tator tots to bake. We are thankful for where we live and that our house is high above the river.
Floods of 08 .... Monday (6/9)
The weather this spring has been trying. We have day after day of severe weather and now the flooding is here.
The Cedar River started rising on Sunday evening and alerts were going out that it would be worse than the floods of 99 & 93. We didn't live here then but I know it was bad. All three bridges in town were closed. Since I didn't see it, I have had trouble comprehending it.
So back to the floods of 08. Early Monday morning when Boyd went to work he said that the water was almost over the road at the ski club. I went out just before lunch time to run some errands and to check on my Mom. At that point the water was almost over the road close to Brown Lane and also the ski club was still threatening the road.
Downtown was a flurry of activity. Shop openers and apartment dwellers were carrying out anything that could be damaged by flood waters. There were also trucks filled with sand driving around and dropping off product where it was needed. Lots of people were out helping to fill sand bags. I ended up getting caught in traffic trying to cross the Bremer Ave bridge. There was bumper to bumper traffic and I was caught on the bridge through 2 lights. I have to say I don't like bridges in general but to be caught with that much water flowing under me and feeling the bridge bounce when the dump trucks were crossing, I was almost ready to freak out.
I was shocked to see 1st St NW closed with water over Kohlman park and most of 1st St. Again there was a flurry of activity with people moving and sandbags going up. I made the loop around the lot where the new Walgreens will go and was surprised to see no sandbags around the 300 block of business. The 200 block of business had stacks of sandbags 6-8 high. The 100 block had very few sandbags although it looked like people were just getting there.
I ended up on the East side of the river headed to my Mom's. I stopped in to see Mom and started picking her brain on the floods of 93 & 99 to see how in the world Boyd could get home that night. I knew the river road would be closed and 1st st was already closed. We decided that he should take the really long way home. Head up 63 to C33 across to Horton Road and then home.
Mom and I headed out to run errands and grab a quick lunch. She was shocked at the number of cars out, I think that's the busiest I've ever seen the town. It's not even that busy during the horse sale and we joke that it's busy then. While we were shopping we heard a rumor that a dam north of us had broken. So we cruised through McyD's and headed back to her house. Since I had the Grand Prix, I didn't want to get caught away from home.
On the way home, I was shocked at how quickly the water had gone up.
Here's some perspective this is the ski club on an average day
Here's the ski club on Monday
It was quickly covering the road close to Brown Lane. Luckily there was a drier spot between the river and a large puddle so I was able to get home.
A bad pic but you get the idea. The cars behind me didn't seem to want to wait.
Shortly after I got home a neighbor called and said the water had breached the road at Pelican Park. She also let me know that the alternate entrance was open and the trailers that were blocking the road were gone.
Murphy edition where we live sits up off the river and the only way in is on the river road. In situations like this there's gated dirt road off a dead end that takes us to the main road. It's a pain but at least we can get out.
Later in the afternoon I heard that the rumor of a dam break was not true and the dam was holding steady. That was good news. They were still forecasting the river to crest at 18.2 on Tuesday evening.
I talked to Boyd before he left work and asked him to pick up some bread and milk on his way home. Since I wasn't sure we could get to a grocery story here in town by the time he got home and there's a Hy Vee right next to the hospital where he works.
The Cedar River started rising on Sunday evening and alerts were going out that it would be worse than the floods of 99 & 93. We didn't live here then but I know it was bad. All three bridges in town were closed. Since I didn't see it, I have had trouble comprehending it.
So back to the floods of 08. Early Monday morning when Boyd went to work he said that the water was almost over the road at the ski club. I went out just before lunch time to run some errands and to check on my Mom. At that point the water was almost over the road close to Brown Lane and also the ski club was still threatening the road.
Downtown was a flurry of activity. Shop openers and apartment dwellers were carrying out anything that could be damaged by flood waters. There were also trucks filled with sand driving around and dropping off product where it was needed. Lots of people were out helping to fill sand bags. I ended up getting caught in traffic trying to cross the Bremer Ave bridge. There was bumper to bumper traffic and I was caught on the bridge through 2 lights. I have to say I don't like bridges in general but to be caught with that much water flowing under me and feeling the bridge bounce when the dump trucks were crossing, I was almost ready to freak out.
I was shocked to see 1st St NW closed with water over Kohlman park and most of 1st St. Again there was a flurry of activity with people moving and sandbags going up. I made the loop around the lot where the new Walgreens will go and was surprised to see no sandbags around the 300 block of business. The 200 block of business had stacks of sandbags 6-8 high. The 100 block had very few sandbags although it looked like people were just getting there.
I ended up on the East side of the river headed to my Mom's. I stopped in to see Mom and started picking her brain on the floods of 93 & 99 to see how in the world Boyd could get home that night. I knew the river road would be closed and 1st st was already closed. We decided that he should take the really long way home. Head up 63 to C33 across to Horton Road and then home.
Mom and I headed out to run errands and grab a quick lunch. She was shocked at the number of cars out, I think that's the busiest I've ever seen the town. It's not even that busy during the horse sale and we joke that it's busy then. While we were shopping we heard a rumor that a dam north of us had broken. So we cruised through McyD's and headed back to her house. Since I had the Grand Prix, I didn't want to get caught away from home.
On the way home, I was shocked at how quickly the water had gone up.
Here's some perspective this is the ski club on an average day
Here's the ski club on Monday
It was quickly covering the road close to Brown Lane. Luckily there was a drier spot between the river and a large puddle so I was able to get home.
A bad pic but you get the idea. The cars behind me didn't seem to want to wait.
Shortly after I got home a neighbor called and said the water had breached the road at Pelican Park. She also let me know that the alternate entrance was open and the trailers that were blocking the road were gone.
Murphy edition where we live sits up off the river and the only way in is on the river road. In situations like this there's gated dirt road off a dead end that takes us to the main road. It's a pain but at least we can get out.
Later in the afternoon I heard that the rumor of a dam break was not true and the dam was holding steady. That was good news. They were still forecasting the river to crest at 18.2 on Tuesday evening.
I talked to Boyd before he left work and asked him to pick up some bread and milk on his way home. Since I wasn't sure we could get to a grocery story here in town by the time he got home and there's a Hy Vee right next to the hospital where he works.
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