Flooding in Iowa, July 23 to 31, 1999

Summary of July 23-August 5 flooding event:Heavy rains fell across northern Iowa into southern Wisconsin and extreme northwest Illinois the evenings of July 18-21. As much as 8 to 10 inches fell in the Cedar and Wapsipinicon river basins the nights of July 20 and 21.Major flooding occurred on the Cedar, Wapsipinicon and Iowa rivers. On the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids experienced major flooding. The crest of 18.31 feet (5.31 ft above flood stage) on July 26th was the 6th highest crest on record there. Due to advance warning the city prepared well for the flooding and experienced minor problems due to the flooding. Major flooding also occurred near Conesville, with some homes affected. The crest near Conesville was 16.68 feet (4.68 ft above flood stage) on July 28th. A small levee break along the river near Nichols, IA, during the evening of July 26 resulted in heavy flooding of 30 homes. One farmer lost 160 acres of farmland as a result of the levee break.Major flooding occurred on the Wapsipinicon River as well. The communities of Independence, Littleton , Anamosa and DeWitt all experienced flooding problems as waters rose. At Independence, the river crested at 18.8 feet (6.8 ft above flood stage) on July 24th. According to a Red Cross report, 71 homes in Independence and 47 in the nearby town of Littleton received major water damage, with at least two feet of water on the first floor. At Anamosa, the river crested at 13.3 feet (4.3 ft above flood stage) on July 26th. Flooding affected some unprotected businesses and homes near the river. Near DeWitt, the Wapsipinicon crested at 12.97 feet (2.97 ft above flood stage) on July 30th. Some homes and businesses near the river were affected.The Iowa River was the third tributary to experience major flooding during this event. At Wapello, the river crested at 25.09 feet (5.09 ft above flood stage) on July 29th. Flooding of low-lying agricultural lands near the river occurred, and most islands in the river's flood plain were inundated.All rivers fell below flood stage by August 5th.