06/20/20
The flood plan has been inactivated. River levels have fallen below 13 FT and are expected to continue falling.
06/11/20
It has been an exciting weather week, and it looks like the Mississippi River will remain high locally for the near term. While river levels have dropped below the flood action stage, they are expected to return to the flood action stage of 13 FT again next week. At this time, S Concord has been re-opened between River Dr and Utah. Public Works will continue monitoring conditions and is prepared to respond when needed.
06/08/20
Tropical Storm Cristobal could bring some intense weather to #Davenport on Tuesday. Flash flooding will be possible. Be cautious and turn around if there is water over the road. Potential areas for hazardous conditions include intersections, locations at the bottom of a hill, and along River Dr. Stay tuned and stay safe as Cristobal makes it way North in the coming day.
Along with intense weather, river rise is possible. Public Works is prepared to respond to conditions as needed.
06/05/20
With the Mississippi pushing over flood action stage of 13.5 FT, we have closed S Concord between River Dr and Utah due to water over the road. At this time, the Mississippi is expected to crest just below 14 FT on Saturday, June 6th, and to fall back below 13 FT on Tuesday, 9th.* Take Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello to Railroad Ave to access the Compost Facility over the weekend.
Other actions at this stage include closing gates and readying pumps in low lying areas.
Crews are monitoring conditions and prepared to respond should conditions change.
*Tropical storm Cristobal could influence river levels next week. Stay tuned.
06/04/20
The Mississippi River hit flood action stage of 13 FT overnight. While it is not anticipated river levels will go beyond 13.5 FT, Public Works crews are monitoring conditions and prepared to respond as needed should river levels push higher.
04/29/20
We are closing this flood event out with the Mississippi dropping back below 13 FT.
- S Concord has re-opened between River Dr and Utah.
- Credit Island is open, but keep in mind while you can drive around the island, it is still a bit soggy inland, and the playground, shelters and picnic tables will need a little care before they become available for use.
- The riverfront sidewalk along Centennial and LeClaire Parks should fully re-open later this week after cleaning is finished.
- The temporary walls around Modern Woodmen Park have been removed.
If you are looking for information on the boat docks… The Marquette Street Landing docks should go in mid-May. We do not anticipate the docks will go in at Credit Island this year.
Until next time, stay prepared Davenport.
04/25/20
Davenport Public Works and Parks and Recreation crews are cleaning and demobilizing flood measures as the Mississippi quickly drops back to its banks. Many riverfront amenities and impacted roadways have opened or will re-open early next week. Here’s the lowdown:
- S Concord between River Dr and Utah should re-open on or before Wed Apr 29.
- The Marquette Street Dog-Off Leash Park is open. Just remember to keep social distancing, including your pet.
- The Credit Island causeway is open, however, access around the island remains closed until the island’s roadways can cleared of debris. Look for updates on the status of the island next week.
- The Riverfront Recreational Trail between LeClaire Park and Credit Island has re-opened. Be aware, however, that the island remains closed for debris removal.
- Crews will be removing the flood defense system around Modern Woodmen Park beginning next week.
Stay safe. Don’t drive or walk through water over the road.
04/21/20
River Dr has fully re-opened thanks to the cooperation of the Mississippi River and the swift work of our Davenport Public Works team.
Watch for updates as the river continues to recede.
04/20/20
With the river forecast set to continue falling and no chances of new higher crests on the horizon, we are switching to recovery mode, starting with the removal of the temporary flood defense system on River Dr between Iowa and Pershing on Tue Apr 21. Expect River Dr to fully re-open by 6 PM Tue Apr 21st following the system’s removal.
Crews will be removing the flood defense system around Modern Woodmen Park beginning next week. Other recovery steps will require the river to drop a bit further than today’s 16.01 FT. Look for updates on these locations late this week and early next week:
• Credit Island Park
• The Riverfront Recreational Trail
• LeClaire and Centennial Parks
• Marquette St Dog Off Leash Park
• S Concord, River Dr to Utah
04/15/20
We are re-opening River Dr at 3rd and 4th Streets this afternoon, Wed Apr 15th, due to recent river level fall. The current river level is 17.57 FT, and is expected to continue falling gradually over the next few weeks.
We will keep you posted as things change.
Currently:
- River Dr is closed between Division and Iowa due to water over the road and the installation of the temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing. View current flood detour at this link.
- Many riverfront locations can still be accessed using north/south streets.
- S Concord is closed between River Dr and Wapello. You will need to access the Compost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
- All park and recreation amenities south of River Dr between Credit Island and River Heritage Park are closed.
We are monitoring conditions as always and are prepared to respond as needed to changing conditions.
04/11/20
The current river level is 17.94 FT and expected to crest near 18 FT today, Sat Apr 11. The river level is expected to remain in minor to major flood stage through late April.
For public safety, the City is closing the intersection of 3rd and 4th Streets at River Dr. The river has consumed nearly all lanes of travel near Federal making the area unsafe for driving. Rain in the forecast Sat Apr 11 will only make conditions more hazardous.
Truck traffic will need to use established detour routes. All others should be mindful of closures and seek an alternate route.
The area will be re-opened when conditions allow.
As a reminder:
- River Dr is closed between Division and Federal due to water over the road and the installation of the temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing. View current flood detour at this link.
- Many riverfront locations can still be accessed using north/south streets.
- S Concord is closed between River Dr and Wapello. You will need to access the Compost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
- All park and recreation amenities south of River Dr between Credit Island and River Heritage Park are closed.
We are monitoring conditions as always and are prepared to respond as needed to changing conditions.
04/10/20
River Dr is now closed at E 3rd St due to water over the road. Eastbound 3rd St is being detoured at Iowa. One lane of westbound River Dr at 4th St remains open. Watch for changing traffic conditions through the weekend and into next week.
Rain on Saturday could require the full closure of River Dr at 4th St.
For your safety and the safety of responders, please do not drive through water over the road.
04/09/20
High river levels and rain in the forecast could cause the closure of River Dr east of 3rd and 4th Streets due to water over the road. For your safety and the safety of responders, please do not drive through water over the road.
Keep in mind with S Marquette closed at River Dr, the Dog Off-Leash Park south of River Dr will be closed until river levels recede, and the road is re-opened. There is another option, though. Consider social distancing in new surroundings on higher ground at the off-leash park at 3200 N Marquette.
As a reminder:
- River Dr is closed between Division and 3rd/4th Streets due to water over the road and the installation of the temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing. View current flood detour at this link.
- Many riverfront locations can still be accessed using north/south streets.
- S Concord is closed between River Dr and Wapello. You will need to access the Compost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
We are monitoring conditions as always and are prepared to respond as needed to changing conditions.
04/08/20
The City is updating the current flood detour to better accommodate traffic while river levels allow. The detour will change if River Dr begins to further cover near Federal with river rise. View a copy of the current detour at this link.
Flash flooding on River Dr is possible during rain events. For your safety, please do not drive through water over the road.
04/07/20
As a City positioned on the Mississippi River, flooding is part of our reality. And we are ready.
Due to forecast river levels of 17.5 FT by Fri Apr 10 and the possibility for active weather to set up over the next two weeks, we are initiating the next steps in our flood plan. These actions require closing River Dr between Division St and Bridge Ave for public safety, and the installation of the City’s temporary flood defense system between Pershing and Iowa. The closure and detour will go into effect at 2 PM Tue Apr 7. Access riverfront locations not impacted at these levels using north/south streets.
As closures are placed, please be reminded driving or walking through floodwater is not safe. Even when the water looks really shallow and passable, you never know what is beneath that water or how deep it may be.
The City continues to monitor conditions closely with the National Weather Service and is prepared to respond to changing river levels.
Are you an impacted property owner?
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
If you travel near the riverfront, know that...
If you recreate near the riverfront, know that..
- Credit Island is closed to the public due to water over the road.
- The riverfront recreational path between Credit Island and LeClaire Park is closed due to water over the path.
Is anything happening in the Downtown?
- The City is setting its temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing on Wed Apr 8 as a precautionary measure based on river levels and the possibility of active weather ahead.
Is the City taking any other actions at this time?
- The flood defense system at Modern Woodmen Park has been installed.
We will issue another update as conditions change.
04/01/20
Saturday morning’s downpour resulted in flash flooding and spiking river levels. Things have quieted a bit, but we are not out of the woods yet. The Mississippi is forecast to hover around 16/16.5 FT into next week; however, run-off and snowmelt to the north may contribute to further river rise next week. Too early to tell.
The City continues to monitor conditions closely with the National Weather Service and are prepared to respond to changing river levels.
Are you an impacted property owner?
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
Do you travel near the riverfront?
- S Concord is closed between River Dr and Wapello. You will need to access the Compost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
Do you recreate near the riverfront?
- Credit Island is temporarily closed to the public due to water over the road.
- The riverfront recreational path between Credit Island and LeClaire Park is closed due to water over the path.
What should we expect in the Downtown?
- City staff continues to monitor river levels. The City will not set its temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing unless river forecasts shift higher than 18 FT and above.
Is the city taking any other actions at this time?
- With river levels hovering 16.5 FT and the possibility of higher river levels next week, the temporary flood defense system around Modern Woodmen Park is being set this week.
- There is a lane reduction on River Dr at Marquette due to current river levels.
Updates on conditions are likely early next week.
03/27/20
The river may rise over the next two weeks as a result of snow melt combined with significant precipitation. The City is monitoring conditions closely with the National Weather Service. We will share updates if river levels change significantly or require additional flood defense measures to be placed.
The City is prepared to respond to changing river levels and encourages anyone in the river floodplain below 18 FT to keep an eye on things.
Important Weather Note
Heavy rains on Saturday could result in short-term water over the road situations, especially in areas along River Dr. Turn Around Don’t Drown.
Are you an impacted property owner?
- Sand and sandbags are available for pick up. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/ to arrange for pick up.
Do you travel near the riverfront?
- S Concord is closed between River Dr and Wapello. You will need to access theCompost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
Do you recreate near the riverfront?
- Credit Island is temporarily closed to the public due to water over the road.
- The riverfront recreational path between Credit Island and Marquette is closed.
- The riverfront recreational path between Marquette and LeClaire parks is partially covered and will become fully covered with river rise.
What should we expect in the Downtown?
Changing weather patterns have a chance of pushing river levels above 18 FT. City staff is monitoring conditions. The City will not set its temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing unless river forecasts shift higher than 18 FT and above.
What other changes might occur next week?
Staff is holding off on setting the temporary flood wall around Modern Woodmen Park until forecast river levels become more reliable.
Updates are likely early next week.
03/23/20
The Mississippi River forecast has fluctuated a bit since last week. The current river level is hovering 15 FT and expected to reach 15.5 FT around Thu Mar 26. That being said, the river may see additional rises later this week and early next week, depending on precipitation expected later this week. Public works remain prepared and encourage anyone in the river floodplain below 18 FT to keep an eye on things.
Are you an impacted property owner?
Do you travel near the riverfront?
Do you recreate near the riverfront?
- Credit Island will be closed to the public beginning at 1 PM Tue Mar 24.
- The riverfront recreational path between Credit Island and Marquette is closed.
The river is not expected to make much of an appearance in the Downtown if river levels remain under 16.5 FT. The City will not set its temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing unless river forecasts shift higher than 18 FT and above.
Staff is holding off on setting the temporary flood wall around Modern Woodmen Park until more is known about late-week precipitation and river levels.
Watch for updates later this week.
Crews are prepared to respond to arriving conditions.
03/20/20
The Mississippi is on the rise. Time to activate that flood plan. As crews prepare for the river to rise, we encourage individuals affected at river levels below 18 FT to begin preparing too. At last check, the river is predicted to reach 16 FT late next week and possibly crest near 17.5 FT by Wed Apr 1. At these river levels, there are certain things you may want to know about.
Are you an impacted property owner?
- Sand and sandbags will be available for pick up beginning at 7 AM Mon Mar 23. You will need to place a request for service by calling 563.326.7923 during business hours or online at https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/.
Do you travel near the riverfront?
- S Concord will be closed between River Dr and Wapello at the end of the day, Fri Mar 20. This means you will need to access the Compost Facility via Rockingham Rd/Hwy 22 to Wapello.
Do you recreate near the riverfront?
- Credit Island will likely be closed to the public beginning Mon Mar 23.
- Expect the riverfront bike path between Credit Island and Marquette to close sometime over the weekend.
Additional actions will occur as the river rises into next week.
In the Downtown, expect various lane reductions along River Dr as the river swells above 16.5 FT. At this time, the City does not plan to set its temporary flood defense system between Iowa and Pershing because it is not necessary at predicted river levels. The river will just be allowed to seek its own level over River Dr. Should predictions exceed 18 FT, the focus will shift, and the defense system will be installed.
Staff will begin setting the temporary flood wall around Modern Woodmen Park sometime Mon, Mar 23. When this happens, Gaines St south of River Dr will be closed.
Watch for updates next Mon, Mar 23.
Crews are prepared to respond to arriving conditions.
03/10/20
Property owners impacted at 24 FT river level and below, will be receiving a letter in the mail about a first-floor elevation survey that is being conducted. The survey is being conducted to gather data that supports the analysis and evaluation of future flood mitigation and defense options. Property owners will be provided a copy of the survey when the survey portion of the project is complete sometime in May. Contact public works by e-mail at [email protected] if you live in the floodplain along the riverfront and have not received a letter by Tue Mar 19.
02/29/20
We were thrilled to see so many Davenport property owners, organizations and public entities come together for the LEAP into Flood Preparation event that took place this weekend.
As a city along the banks of the Mississippi River, flooding is a reality. The good news is this: we’re resilient. And, we’re ready. To help you prepare for potential spring flooding, please visit www.BePreparedDavenport.com
02/27/20
Chances remain high for moderate to major flooding this spring, according to our friends at the National Weather Service, who issued their 2nd of 3 spring flood briefings. Keep in mind the forecast is still several weeks out. Preferable snowmelt activity and less than average precipitation could be in our favor as we monitor conditions through March.
As the city prepares for flooding, property owners located in the flood plain should consider preparing for the possibility of a flood, too. An excellent opportunity to prepare is this Sat Feb 29 at the LEAP into Flood Preparedness event being held at Modern Woodmen Park. City staff, the American Red Cross, flood mitigation system vendors, the National Weather Service, and many other agencies and vendors will be available to discuss available resources.
As an adaptive and resilient community located on the banks of the Mississippi River, we will adjust and recover should river levels rise above 18 FT again this year.
Watch for more updates in the coming weeks.
02/23/20
Build a wall, keep River Dr open, and resource and funding limitations were all topics of discussion at a Mayor and Council work session on Sat Feb 22.
The work session was held to discuss the objectives for a request for proposals (RFP) to enhance the City’s flood plan and identify flood risk reduction measures that might be implemented in the future.
Operational considerations, climate trends, an open riverfront, feasibility, and downstream impacts were at the heart of the conversation that resulted in direction for the RFP.
Discussion about what should be included was supported by input from Larry Weber of the University of Iowa IIHR and Iowa Flood Center and Jason Smith with the Corps of Engineers and Silver Jackets.
The RFP is expected to go out for bid soon and be followed by selecting a consultant within the next three to four months. The scope of work for the RFP will incorporate information from existing plans and studies and include public input to develop an overall vision and objective for Davenport’s riverfront and flood fighting.
Completion of the scope of work under the RFP is expected before the end of 2021 and will include several options for the Mayor and Council to consider. Options to consider will include boundaries for over-land flooding and may include public/private partnerships as well as structural and non-structural risk reduction measures.
Highlights of the work session included staff updates on preparations for 2020, including the launch of a new flood information tool to assist property owners in the floodplain, beprepareddavenport.com.
02/18/20
There will be a Council Work Session on Flooding on Sat Feb 22 beginning at 8:30 AM in Council Chambers to discuss flooding and planning efforts. The event is open to the public; however, time for public comment is not provided.
02/14/20
Flood Season 2020 Begins with Preparing to be an Even More Resilient Community
Our friends at the National Weather Service issued their 1st of 3 spring flood briefings this morning, and chances are high there may be flooding in our community this spring. Last year’s flood was intense. But above all else, Davenport is resilient, and we came out of it with more strength!
Keep in mind the forecast is early, but be reassured we are ready. Experiences from 2019 have been incorporated into the City’s flood plan, and we are already preparing for the upcoming flood season. We have ensured all flood response methods are in proper working order, and recently conducted refresher training with the Corps of Engineers.
Be aware adjustments will need to be made by everyone should river levels rise above 18 FT again this year. Planned construction activities, detours, and special events impacts are possible.
If you are a property or business owner in the floodplain, begin thinking about preparing for the possibility of a flood. An excellent opportunity to prepare is coming up, when the City and Scott County EMA host a LEAP into Flood Preparedness event on Sat Feb 29 at Modern Woodmen Park. City staff, the American Red Cross, flood mitigation system vendors, the National Weather Service, and many other agencies and vendors will be available to discuss available resources. The event is also a great informational opportunity for those located in the flood plain along the City’s many miles of creeks and streams.
Like any big city, Davenport has had hard times. But, as history has demonstrated, we’re also resilient, emerging from hardship with more strength, courage, and knowledge to prepare us for the future.
Expect more updates as we prepare for the 2020 flood season.
Preparing now for a more resilient community tomorrow.