City of Cedar Rapids

Flood Information 

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Evacuation Plan

Mayoral Proclamation Dissolving Evacuation and Curfew

The evacuation area was lifted at Noon on Friday, September 30 for businesses and residents to access their property for flood-recovery efforts. On Saturday, October 1 the entire area was opened to the public. Please travel safely and continue to be aware of work taking place near the river as crews work to remove flood debris and protection measures. 

Evacuation Plan Map (Revised 9-28-16)

Affected parcels and the evacuation area can also be viewed on the interactive GIS inundation map (map no longer available). Select the layers Evacuation Parcels and Evacuation Area to view this information.

Mayoral Proclamation - Revised Evacuation Area
Mayoral Proclamation - Waive Building Permit Fee

Curbside sandbag collection for Cedar Rapids residents is finished. Residents who still have sandbags to dispose of can call the Solid Waste & Recycling Division at 319-286-5897 for additional information on their disposal options. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Ideas for reusing sand

Downtown, NewBo, Kingston Village and Czech Village businesses:

Following the post flood threat in late September, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance created four sandbag drop sites for commercial property owners to deposit used sandbags free of charge.  News reports on October 24 indicated that businesses will be fined if sandbags are not removed by Wednesday, October 26.  The information pertaining to fines provided by the Economic Alliance was inaccurate and was inaccurately attributed to the City of Cedar Rapids. While the City and the Economic Alliance would like sandbags removed from businesses in the evacuation area as soon as possible, the City of Cedar Rapids has no intent of imposing fines or any penalties on businesses owners. 

The Economic Alliance and the City both understand the hardships this flood event has caused many individuals and business owners and it is our intention to assist in any way possible to help everyone get back to business as usual.

Two locations remain open for business sandbag disposal through Wednesday, October 26.

• East Side of Downtown – The site of the former 6th Street Alliant Energy power plant between the Quaker Oats and Cargill plants. Take 4th Street SE to Stickle Drive. Turn left on Stickle Drive to cross the railroad tracks and take an immediate right into the gravel driveway alongside the tracks. Follow the drive to the marked drop site. Do not use 5th Street SE. Please reserve that route for grain trucks going to Cargill.

• Kingston Village – The parking lot underneath I-380, bordered by 2nd and 3rd Avenues SW and L Street SW. Take 2nd Avenue SW westbound and turn left into the lot. After unloading, exit by turning left onto 3rd Avenue SW.

The business and property owner associations in Downtown, New Bo and Czech Village funded sandbag removal from these disposal locations. We urge businesses to make every effort to move sandbags to these sites in order to take advantage of free disposal.

Businesses with questions or those in need of assistance removing sandbags are encouraged to call the Economic Alliance at 319-398-5317.

Disposal of Flood Debris

Residents who have questions about flood debris collection should call the Solid Waste and Recycling Division at 319-286-5897.

The Solid Waste & Recycling Division will be collecting flood debris from homes within the evacuation area through Oct. 7. 

Information on Re-Entry of Home or Business

The City provided a list of homes in the evacuation areas to Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy, and has given approval for all homes to have electricity and gas turned back on. Your gas may already be turned on, or you will receive a door hanger with instructions how to turn it back on.

Flood water – even minimal levels – can create safety hazards in your home or business. Re-establishing safe utility services are critical as residents re-enter and evaluate their properties. Properties may have water in the basement from sewer backup. If your electrical system, furnace and water heater have been submerged for any reason, they are to be considered dangerous and unsafe.

Call both your electrical and gas provider immediately:

• Alliant Energy – 1-800-ALLIANT or 1-800-255-4268 
• MidAmerican Energy – 1-888-427-5632

Hiring a Contractor

• You will need to hire a contractor properly registered with the State of Iowa to repair the damage before it is safe to return electrical and/or gas utilities.
• If you are uncertain whether a contractor is registered, the City has established a phone line and will verify if the contractor is properly registered and licensed by the State of Iowa.
• Verifying Contractors: Please call 319-286-5929. This is not a contractor referral, but is a verification service. 

The contractor must obtain a Flood Permit from the City to make repairs. The Mayor has waived the fee for Flood Permits which will be issued for all repairs within the flood inundation level.

Upon completion of work, a City inspector will then inspect the work, and if determined safe, will provide a release number for Alliant Energy and MidAmerican to turn the utilities back on.

CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES | Oct. 5, 5:00 p.m.

• All Downtown / NewBo / Czech Village bridges are open
• E and F Avenue bridges underneath I-380 are open with some lane closures due to DOT roadway improvements 

I-380 Ramps

• All access to I-380 has been restored 

Road Closures

• E Ave NW between 3rd Street and 1st Street NW is closed

• 1st Street NW from I Avenue to O Avenue is closed

• Most road closures will stay in affect for the next week or more as we work to remove remaining flood control measures. 

Economic Recovery Information for Local Businesses

Stay updated on the latest information for business owners. If you own or operate a business in Cedar Rapids that has been affected by the 2016 flood, click here to submit your contact information to receive information updates on citywide economic recovery efforts.  You can contact City economic development staff to report any issues your business may be experiencing as a result of flooding.

Many flood impacted businesses will need assistance with sand bags and moving back into facilities. To volunteer with this effort please contact United Way at www.uweci.org.  Businesses that need assistance with these activities are encouraged to call 211. 

Business Flood Recovery Survey

The City of Cedar Rapids has a survey to assess economic impact to private and non-profit employers, commercial property owners, and residential landlords in the 28-foot evacuation zone.  Those who are not already received the survey can complete a form to receive future surveys and communications by clicking here.

Jobs and Small Business Recovery Fund
The City of Cedar Rapids, in partnership with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, the Small Business Development Center and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance have created the Jobs and Small Business Recovery Fund 2016 to assist small businesses in recovering from economic losses due to the recent flood event.

During the late September flood event, a number of small businesses were disrupted within the 28 foot evacuation area. While most did not sustain physical property damage, many were faced with loss of sales and product, as well as costs related to moving items and other flood mitigation measures. There are no known programs to assist with the recovery of these losses, and most businesses did not have insurance for these types of losses.

“Even before the Cedar River crested during last month’s flood event, economic development leaders at the city and throughout the community were starting discussions about how our local businesses would be impacted by this event, and what help may be available,” said Jeff Pomeranz, Cedar Rapids City Manager.“Through this fund, qualifying small businesses can apply for a grant award up to $5,000 to assist with covering losses.”

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation will open the fund for private donations from corporations and individual contributions and the City of Cedar Rapids will allocate $75,000 from the Cedar Rapids Assistance Revolving Loan Fund for this grant program. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Foundation will serve as the fiscal agent and distribute these grants directly to recipients.

Applications can be made through the Economic Alliance and will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives of each of the impacted districts, as well as individuals experienced in reviewing grant applications.

“Grants awarded from the program are not likely to recoup all losses for businesses, but the program is intended to be simple and timely in order to get money into the hands of in-need businesses as quickly as possible,” said Les Garner, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation President.

Applicants must be a for-profit business located in the 28 foot evacuation area declared by the City of Cedar Rapids during the flood. Grants will be awarded to businesses that require a physical location in order to derive revenue, and had at least one day of zero revenue as a direct result of the evacuation. The grant is for those small businesses with 50 employees or less that are reopening after the flood event. The maximum grant amount will be $5,000 or up to 50 percent of lost sales, product and any additional flood mitigation costs.

Applications will be considered in the order they are received. Grants will be distributed until program funds are exhausted or until the Committee determines adequate time has been allowed for businesses to submit applications.

Businesses interested in applying can find the application on the Economic Alliance website.

Anyone interested in donating to the fund can contact the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation or visit gcrcf.org.

Re-Entry of Flood Evacuation Area

Sept. 29 Press Conference

The Cedar River level has dropped to under 19 feet. The safety of residents and property owners has remained the number one priority for the City throughout the duration of this flood event. With the decreasing risk, the full evacuation area will be lifted by Noon on Friday, September 30 for business and residents to access their property for flood-recovery efforts.  The curfew will end on Friday, September 30 at 7:00 a.m. 

If you do not have property in the evacuation area, please avoid the area to help reduce congestion as much as possible. Construction vehicles need safe and clear access in order to work as quickly and as efficiently as possible to remove temporary flood control measures. If possible, please wait until Saturday to begin moving heavy items back to help avoid additional trucks and trailers in the area.

Crews will work today and tomorrow as quickly as possible to restore access. Road closures will be lifted as soon as feasible as standing water recedes and barriers and pumps are safely removed. The bridges downtown have been inspected for safety and will be opened as soon as Hesco barriers are removed. Road closure information will continue to be posted at www.cedar-rapids.org. Motorists should heed all road closures and be mindful of traffic signals. Traffic signals that were deactivated are being restored over the next several days to assist with safe traffic flow.

Residents are still urged to stay out of the revised evacuation area and to heed curfew times until Friday. Do not go near the temporary flood control system or go near water.
Information for Businesses

Many flood impacted businesses will need assistance with sand bags and moving back into facilities. To volunteer with this effort please contact United Way at www.uweci.org. Businesses that need assistance with these activities are encouraged to call 211.

The City will be sending out a survey in early October to assess economic impact to private and non-profit employers, commercial property owners, and residential landlords in the 28-foot evacuation zone. Those who are not already included in an email distribution list with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance or Czech Village/NewBo Mainstreet District should visit the City's website and complete a form to receive future surveys and communications. The form can be found online at http://bit.ly/2dGU1j8.

Commercial properties are responsible for collection and disposal of sandbags, and the Downtown and NewBo SSMID Districts will be partnering on sandbag removal efforts. Collection sites will be identified and communicated, and businesses can dispose of bags at no charge. Businesses are asked to keep sandbags onsite until they are taken to one of the designated collection sites. Those who have scheduled a private service for removal may leave sandbags at the curb for pickup for up to 24 hours.

Information on Re-Entry of Homes or Businesses
The City provided a list of homes in the evacuation areas to Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy, and has given approval for all homes to have electricity and gas turned back on. Your gas may already be turned on, or you will receive a door hanger with instructions how to turn it back on.

Flood water – even minimal levels – can create safety hazards in your home or business. Re-establishing safe utility services are critical as residents re-enter and evaluate their properties. Properties may have water in the basement from sewer backup.

If your electrical system, furnace and water heater have been submerged for any reason, they are to be considered dangerous and unsafe. Call both your electrical and gas provider immediately:

• Alliant Energy – 1-800-ALLIANT or 1-800-255-4268
• MidAmerican Energy – 1-888-427-5632

You will need to hire a contractor properly registered with the State of Iowa to repair the damage before it is safe to re-establish electrical and/or gas utilities. If you are uncertain whether a contractor is registered, the City has established a phone line and will verify if the contractor is properly registered and licensed by the State of Iowa. Please call 319-286-5929 to verify. This is not a contractor referral, but is a verification service. We encourage you to get referrals from friends and family on contractors.
The Mayor has waived the fee for Flood Permits which will be issued for all repairs within the flood inundation level. Contractors must obtain a Flood Permit from the City.
Upon completion of work, a City inspector will then inspect the work, and if determined safe, will provide a release number for Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy to turn the utilities back on.

Disposal of Flood Debris
Those outside of the revised evacuation area can now begin the process of evaluating their properties and cleaning up any flood debris. Residents are asked to place flood debris into four separate piles at the curb: one for drywall, carpet, and other household flood debris; one for household hazardous materials like oil-based paints and stains, automotive fluids, and cleaning supplies; one for appliances; and one for electronics. The City will collect these items for free; however, the Solid Waste & Recycling Division will not be able to determine how long collection will take until all residents are back in their homes and they have a better sense of the total amount of debris that will need to be collected.

Disposal of Sandbags
Please do not place sandbags in your collection carts. Residents looking to remove dry or wet sandbags immediately can bring them to two locations:

• Noelridge Pool parking lot, starting at 7 a.m. on Friday
• Ellis Pool parking lot, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday

Residents not able to haul sandbags can leave them on their property until the City is able to collect them free of charge. Sandbag pickup is anticipated to start October 10 and run for two weeks.

As a reminder: Solid Waste and Recycling will not be collecting in the flood evacuation zone this week; normal collection will continue throughout the rest of the city. Starting October 3, Solid Waste & Recycling collection will resume as scheduled for customers who were within the evacuation area. These customers will be allowed to put out two 35-gallon bags of household garbage with their collection carts for no additional fee. The public is asked to use water conservatively to assist the storm sewer system. Transit operations are suspended through September 30 until the flood risk recedes and additional roads can be safely re-opened.

September 28, 2016, 11:00 a.m.
Flood Update and Revised Evacuation Area

Sept. 28 Press Conference
The Cedar River level is slowing dropping after cresting at nearly 22 feet yesterday. The river will likely remain high for the next several days, and is expected to reach approximately 18 feet by Thursday early evening. The evacuation area has been adjusted to a smaller perimeter. Barricades and access control points have been moved to the revised perimeter and will continue to be monitored for public safety.

Detailed maps of the area showing the initial and revised evacuation area, as well as an address list are available on the City website: www.cedar-rapids.org.

Residents are still urged to stay out of the revised evacuation area and to heed curfew times until the flood risk has passed. Do not go near the temporary flood control system or go near water. Cedar Rapids is still at major flood stage, and residents should stay out of the evacuation area for their safety.

Crews from the City as well as private contractors and the Army Corps of Engineers worked throughout the night to monitor for any potential weaknesses, seepage, or breeches. Efforts focused on mitigating water seeping out of the storm sewer system by using pumps and reinforcing with plugs. The temporary flood measures of nearly 40,000 feet of Hesco barriers, as well as earth berms have been holding up well.

Crews will continue to spend the day monitoring the system for breaches or weaknesses. Until the river recedes to a safer level, the public is advised to stay out of the evacuation area. Evaluations will be ongoing to determine when it is safe to allow residents and property owners back into their homes and businesses. The City is asking the public to remain patient as crews work to maintain for the safety of the public. Bridges and roads will reopen as soon as possible. Transit services have been suspended through Friday, September 30, and will be reevaluated and reestablished as soon as possible.

Public Safety
The left inside lane which is closest to the median of U.S. Interstate 380 is no longer restricted to just emergency vehicles. As a reminder, motorists should pay attention to the roadway and avoid distracted driving while crossing the Cedar River.

Information on Re-Entry of Home or Business
Flood water – even minimal levels – can create safety hazards in your home or business. Re-establishing safe utility services are critical as residents re-enter and evaluate their properties. Properties may have water in the basement from sewer backup. If your electrical system, furnace and water heater have been submerged for any reason, they are to be considered dangerous and unsafe.

Call both your electrical and gas provider immediately:

• Alliant Energy – 1-800-ALLIANT or 1-800-255-4268 
• MidAmerican Energy – 1-888-427-5632

You will need to hire a contractor properly registered with the State of Iowa to repair the damage before it is safe to return electrical and/or gas utilities. If you are uncertain whether a contractor is registered, the City has established a phone line and will verify if the contractor is properly registered and licensed by the State of Iowa. Please call 319-286-5929. This is not a contractor referral, but is a verification service. We encourage you to get referrals from friends and family on contractors.

The contractor must obtain a Flood Permit from the City to make repairs. The Mayor has waived the fee for Flood Permits which will be issued for all repairs within the flood inundation level.

Upon completion of work, a City inspector will then inspect the work, and if determined safe, will provide a release number for Alliant Energy and MidAmerican to turn the utilities back on.

Disposal of Flood Debris
Those outside of the revised evacuation area can now begin the process of evaluating their properties and cleaning up any flood debris. Residents are asked to place flood debris into four separate piles at the curb: one for drywall, carpet, and other household flood debris; one for household hazardous materials like oil-based paints and stains, automotive fluids, and cleaning supplies; one for appliances; and one for electronics. The City will collect these items for free; however, the Solid Waste & Recycling Division will not be able to determine how long collection will take until all residents are back in their homes and they have a better sense of the total amount of debris that will need to be collected.

Disposal of Sandbags
Residents who need to dispose of sandbags are asked to keep them at their property. The City will partner with a contractor to collect sandbags at no charge from residential properties. The City will communicate additional information regarding where sandbags should be placed for collection soon. If residents do not want to wait to dispose of sandbags, they can haul them to the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency and dispose of them. Regular Agency disposal fees will apply for any flood debris or sandbags that are hauled to the Solid Waste Agency’s landfill. Further information concerning the safe disposal or sandbags will be shared as this information is finalized.

As a reminder: Solid Waste and Recycling will not be collecting in the flood evacuation zone this week; normal collection will continue throughout the rest of the city. Starting October 3rd, Solid Waste & Recycling collection will resume as scheduled for customers who were within the evacuation area. These customers will be allowed to put out two 35-gallon bags of household garbage with their collection carts for no additional fee. The public is asked to use water conservatively to assist the storm sewer system. Transit operations are suspended through Sept. 30 until the flood risk recedes and additional roads can be safely re-opened.

September 27, 2016, 11:40 a.m.
Overnight Efforts and Continued Flood Response

Sept. 27 Press Conference
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – September 27, 2016 –The Cedar River is cresting at 22 feet and will likely remain high for the next several days. Residents are still urged to stay out of the evacuation area and to heed curfew times until the flood risk has passed. Do not go near the temporary flood control system or go near water. Flood control information, including road closures, maps, volunteer information, and FAQ’s can be found on the City’s website: www.cedar-rapids.org.

Crews from the City as well as private contractors and the Army Corps of Engineers worked throughout the night to monitor for any potential weaknesses, seepage, or breeches. Efforts focused on mitigating water seeping out of the storm sewer system by addressing with pumps and reinforcing with plugs. The temporary flood measures of nearly 40,000 feet of Hesco barriers, as well as earth berms have been holding up well.

Crews will continue to spend the day monitoring the system for breaches or weaknesses. Until the river recedes to a safer level, the public is advised to stay out of the evacuation area. Evaluations will be underway to determine when it is safe to allow residents and property owners back into their homes and businesses. The City is asking the public to remain patient as crews work to maintain for the safety of the public.

Moving forward, plans will be formalized for re-entry into the evacuation zone and for the safe disposal or potential re-use of sandbags.

The many efforts of City forces, private contractors, community volunteers, and partner agencies have made a tremendous difference in fighting the second largest flood event in Cedar Rapids’ history. The National Guard continues to support the efforts of law enforcement to ensure the safety of residents and for the security of unoccupied property in the evacuation zone.

As a reminder: Solid Waste and Recycling will not be collecting in the flood evacuation zone; normal collection will continue throughout the rest of the city. The public is asked to use water conservatively to assist the storm sewer system. Transit operations will be evaluated as flood risk recedes and additional roads can be safely re-opened.

 September 26, 2016, 12:16 p.m.

Flood Control Measures in Place
Sept. 26 Press Conference

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – September 26, 2016 – Cedar Rapids’ temporary flood control measures are in place and Public Works engineering teams as well as US Army Corps of Engineer teams will actively monitor for any weaknesses and re-enforce the system as necessary 24 hours a day.

Residents in the evacuation area are strongly encouraged to leave the area. Returning to your residence may be restricted because of the potential safety risks in the evacuation zone. Residents are reminded that 16 feet is considered major flooding, and the river is predicted to crest at 23 feet. Temporary flood control measures have been constructed over the last 2-3 days in an effort to contain rising water, but are no guarantee of safety.  Evacuation notices should be taken seriously.  The public should not be walking, biking, or driving in the evacuation area, and should not go near or climb on the Hesco barriers and berms.

Public Safety Information
The incident Management Team comprised of a variety of City departments continues to operate 24 hours a day. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is still responding to normal calls for service. Preparations for water operations and rescue have also been staged on both sides of the river. Residents are asked to avoid areas of standing water. Six inches can knock you off your feet, and two feet can sweep a car away.

The Police Department is actively patrolling the evacuation area and will continue to patrol until the threat has passed and individuals are allowed back to their property. The National Guard is in place and will assist local law enforcement with traffic control and verifying the presence of individuals in the evacuation area. These efforts are for the safety of residents and the security of property.

The Police Department would like to warn residents about scams targeting those in the flood zone. Do not give out your credit card information to callers encouraging you to reserve a hotel room. Police have also received notice that some residents are receiving calls from scammers asking them not to secure their property before leaving the evacuation area. Public Safety urges residents to secure their property before leaving.

Traffic Information
The left inside lane (which is closest to the median) of I-380 are reserved for emergency vehicles only. Motorists are urged not to slow down on the interstate to look at the river. Slowing down causes unsafe traffic conditions and leads to congestion.

Traffic is also advised consider 33^rd Avenue as an alternative east/west route and help avoid congestion on Wilson Avenue.

For access to local hospitals: If you need to travel to an area hospital from the opposite side of the Cedar River, access is available via the 7th Street exit off of Interstate 380.  Both Unity Point Health-St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Medical Center are open and operational.

Utility Information
Water Systems and Water Pollution are operating normally. Reminder that garbage and recycling will not be picked up this week in the evacuation area. All other areas will see normal collection schedules. Following the immediate flood risk, a plan will be implemented for the disposal of or potential reuse of sandbags. 

MidAmerican Energy has worked throughout the past several days to prepare for the flood. Crews are not allowed to enter homes that have been evacuated. When reentry is permitted, customers will be contacted and crews deployed to restore service. Homeowners will need to provide access to crews in order to restore service. Any gas appliance which has sustained water damage must be repaired or replaced. This is critical in order to prevent serious damage or injury. The effort to restore service is free to residents and will take several days.

Alliant Energy has executed their plan. They previously identified low-lying areas that are most likely to be affected. Crews are waiting until it becomes absolutely necessary to turn off power in an effort to keep necessary equipment such as sump pumps operating as long as possible.

Support Information
Currently there are two shelters open and still have capacity: Cedar Hills Community Church (located at 6455 E Avenue NW) and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (located at 1340 Third Avenue SE).

The Red Cross has a list of open shelters available www.redcross.org. Citizens can also call 2-1-1, 319-739-4211, 1-866-469-2211 for shelter locations and additional support.

September 25, 2016, 1:15 p.m.

Flood Preparation and Evacuation Plans Continue
Sept. 25 Press Conference

The Cedar River is projected to crest at 23 feet at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Cedar Rapids will see a river crest of 16 feet by Monday morning, which is considered major flood stage.  The City’s Incident Command Team activated at 7:00 this morning and is utilizing a cross-departmental team of Public Safety, Public Works, and other City departments. 

Efforts have been made throughout the community for flood protection on both sides of the river. Public Works crews and contractors have continued to work around the clock on flood control efforts. The City would like to thank the public for their assistance in avoiding the downtown and surrounding areas, as this has opened access for construction and emergency vehicles. Preparation on the temporary flood control measures are anticipated to be completed by tomorrow. Crews will also begin wrapping Hesco barrier walls for additional structural support.

Three sandbagging sites are operational and open overnights for the public to access sandbags. Supplies will be replenished as soon as possible if a site is depleted; sites will remain open until the need is met. Sandbagging sites include the former Kmart West site at 16^th Avenue and Williams Boulevard SW, Hawkeye Downs, and the Ellis Park Pavilion.

All planned road closures and restrictions are currently in place for flood protection measures and safety. Travel is still possible on I-380 – ramp closures are in place in the downtown areas. Closures will continue to be posted on the City’s website (www.cedar-rapids.org). Park CR has opened gates on all downtown parking ramps, parking is free. 

Solid Waste and Recycling
Garbage, recycling and yard waste will not be collected next week within the evacuation area. All other areas will receive normal collection. Those in the evacuation area are asked to secure their carts before leaving if they are able to do so. Additional updates concerning collection within the evacuation area will be provided following the river crest.

Evacuation & Curfew Information
The safety of the public is our most important priority. The City is asking residents and business in affected areas to evacuate by 8:00 p.m. tonight.  A map of the evacuation area is available at www.cedar-rapids.org. Direct notification is being conducted through the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) to those in the flood evacuation area. 

A curfew in evacuated neighborhoods will begin at 8:00 p.m. tonight.  There will be daily curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in the evacuation zone until further notice.  The curfew will be enforced.  Police will be actively patrolling the area with assistance from area law enforcement agencies and the Iowa National Guard. Residents entering or moving around in the flood evacuation zone during the curfew will be stopped by law enforcement.  Entry into the flood evacuation zone will not be permitted. 

Those evacuating their homes should take personal belongings, medications, and important documents like identification.  It is important that residents evacuating secure their property before leaving.

For Assistance
Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to utilize United Way 2-1-1. Volunteer information can be found at www.uweci.org/.

If you are evacuating and need assistance with your pet, and you have no other alternative, please contact Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control by calling 319-286-5993.

The Red Cross has a list of open shelters available on their website: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter. Citizens can also call 2-1-1, 319-739-4211, or 1-866-469-2211 for shelter locations.

September 24, 2016, 12:15 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Plans for Evacuation

September 24 Press Conference

The City’s Incident Command Team will officially activate at the Central Fire Station at 7:00 a.m. Sunday, September 25. This team of employees from departments throughout the City will be on hand 24 hours a day to respond as needed. Planning functions have been ongoing and will continue through today until activation.

We are asking for residents and businesses in affected areas to evacuate by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Evacuation plans are drawn for a 28 feet inundation area. Detailed maps of the area, as well as address lists are available on the City website: www.cedar-rapids.org. If your home or business is on that list, we ask that you secure your possessions and leave your property by that time.

Along with the evacuation, we will also be enacting and enforcing a curfew in evacuated neighborhoods from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The police department will be patrolling the neighborhoods.

The Iowa National Guard has been requested and will be in place around the evacuation area.

Some businesses in the downtown area will not be able to get employees to their buildings because of road closings. They will need to close those locations starting Monday until we are able to open roads again.

After flood waters recede, the area will be searched for hazards and cleared as needed. Then initial inspections would occur and teams will work to determine when residents can return to their properties. People should plan to be out of their homes and businesses for up to 7 days. After that they will likely have access, but may not be able to move back in, depending on conditions.
Visit the city's website at www.cedar-rapids.org for the latest information.

September 23, 2016 11:50 a.m.

City of Cedar Rapids Flood Forecast and Preparation
Video: September 22 Press Conference

The Cedar River is projected to crest at 24.1 feet on Monday, Sept. 26. This will continue to be monitored over the next few days and will likely fluctuate some as additional data comes in.  City of Cedar Rapids staff have been undertaking preparations and will continue to monitor conditions going into this weekend.

Currently, crews are deploying pumps, sewer plugs, and identifying strategic sandbagging areas around the community. Plugs prevent water from inundating the sewer system, and have already been deployed and will continue to be deployed.   If current predictions of 24.1 feet hold true, it is anticipated that street flooding will occur in Time Check, Downtown core, NewBo District, and Czech Village.

Road closures are being planned preemptively on Saturday to deploy traffic control in advance of rising water in these areas. These closures will be posted on the city’s website. Traffic signals will be turned off as necessary during these road closures. Bridges will be monitored and closed as necessary. The public is advised to heed all road closure signs and barricades. Residents are reminded to not drive or walk through standing water.

For low-lying areas that will see water impacts, if your property does not have sanitary sewer backflow prevention in place, place a heavy object such as a sandbag, metal plate, or other heavy object on top of your floor drain to prevent backups. .

The following link is to an inundation map (map is no longer available) that illustrates potential for flooding starting at a 20 feet flood stage and continuing in 2 feet increments. This is derived from data originating from many sources, including U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Emergency Management, consultants, etc. following the 2008 flood.  These are projections only and we recommend that you take necessary precautions if you are in or near the projected inundation area. Scroll down to see the current projected 24 feet impact area.

Cedar Rapids Flood Stages Map

Flood FAQ