Monday, June 9, 2008
Lt. Governor Judge Updates Flooding Situation
Lt. Governor and State officials update flooding information, precautions
(JOHNSTON) – Lt. Governor Patty Judge was joined by Homeland Security Emergency Management Division coordinator David Miller, National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Johnson and Ann Thelen from MidAmerican Energy. The following are the main points covered during the press conference.
Lt. Governor Patty Judge:
- Governor Chet Culver is traveling through the affected areas today.
- There have been many comparisons between this event and 1993. Although this is a record or near record flood event, many steps have been taken since 1993 to lessen the effects of flooding. This makes it difficult to accurately compare this event to 1993.
- The Governor and Lt. Governor wish to thank all the volunteers and workers helping deal with this severe weather event.
43 counties have been declared state disaster areas.
The complete list includes: Mitchell, Clayton, Kossuth, Allamakee, Wright, Hamilton, Bremer, Linn, Iowa, Fremont, Page, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Marion, Johnson, Jasper, Polk, Dallas, Crawford, Boone, Story, Fayette, Harrison, Marshall, Tama, Benton, Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Blackhawk, Hardin, Webster, Humboldt, Franklin, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Chickasaw, Scott, Winneshiek and Worth.
- The State Emergency Operations Center is fully operational.
- The State is identifying and protecting key infrastructure.
- Hot spots being carefully monitored include Mason City, Iowa City, Nashua and Palo.
- The Duane Arnold Nuclear Energy Power Plant in Palo is not in danger.
- In Mason City, it will be at least a couple of days before there is non-drinkable water and about 10 days after that until there is safe drinking water.
- Iowans need to be prepared and stay informed about current weather conditions.
Jeff Johnson NWS - Currently, there is a break in precipitation; however, a fast-moving storm system is expected to move through the state late Wednesday and last into Friday. This system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall in the 1-2 inch category with slightly higher amounts possible. Some severe weather is possible as well. A break in the weather is expected Sunday, with a return to a typical June weather pattern.
- Cedar River Basin: Iowa City is expecting a record flood late this week.
The Cedar River Basin is one of the hardest hit. - Des Moines River Basin:
- Levels at Stratford in record territory.
- As levels at Saylorville exceed the spillway at 890 feet, more water will be released into the Des Moines River. This will result in significant flooding in Des Moines. There is no concern about Saylorville Dam itself. The road over the dam (NW 78th Street) has been closed because of excessive traffic concerns.
- For more information, visit www.crh.noaa.gov/dmx/
Dave Miller, Homeland Security
- We currently have a federal disaster declaration for four counties as a result of the May 25 tornado (Butler, Delaware, Buchanan and Black Hawk). We will be doing joint preliminary damage assessments with FEMA to determine if additional counties may be added to the declaration.
- The damage assessments will begin after the flooding has receded; therefore, the assessments may not begin for several days.
- The state EOC has been activated since the May 25 tornado. Many state and federal partners are participating in the state’s response, including IDPH, DNR, DOT, Public Safety, National Guard, FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers.
Mid American Energy
- If customers have water in their homes that will reach their electric or gas service, they are advised to call Mid American energy for temporary disconnection.
- Customers should call 1-888-427-5632.
Assistance
- Iowans who need assistance or wish to volunteer with recovery efforts should contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.