Flooding likely across Iowa this week

Meteorologist Jeff Johnson of the National Weather Service in Johnston said most of Iowa’s rivers are at risk of flooding. Thunderstorms forecast for the rest of the week could bring heavy rainfall to the already high rivers, Johnson said.

The National Weather Service forecasts 1 to 3 inches of rain to fall across Iowa from Monday to Wednesday, with some locations possibly receiving 3 to 4 inches. On Thursday, 1 to 2 more inches or rain is forecast.

However, the variability of thunderstorms makes it difficult to predict which rivers are most at risk to flooding, said meteorologist Jim Meyer of the National Weather Service in Omaha.

“It’s the nature of thunderstorms, and that’s why the meteorologists like me have grey hair,” Meyer said. “Trying to predict where a thunderstorm is going to develop until it’s on the radar is almost impossible.”

Weekend storms brought up to 10 inches of rainfall to portions of Iowa, according to the Iowa State University department of agronomy. There were reports of cities in Iowa receiving more than 5 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period.

Grinnell received at least 4.5 inches of rain Saturday. This heavy rainfall caused the city’s sewer system to become inundated with water, according to a news release from the Poweshiek County Emergency Management office and the city of Grinnell.

The release stated several Grinnell residents experienced flooding in their houses’ basements. The city is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to drain the water, the real time Location system.

The National Weather Service forecasts the South Skunk River to experience minor flooding in Ames. To address that issue, the city of Ames is offering two self-serve sandbag sites for residents and business owners, according to a city of Ames news release. The two locations are Iowa State University Towers parking lot and South Dayton Place and Southeast 16th Street.

Thunderstorms also caused 3,500 Mid-American customers to be without power Monday, said Tina Potthoff, media relations manager for Mid-American Energy. Potthoff said all but 300 of those customers had power restored by Monday afternoon.

The weekend’s rainfall affected eastern Iowa the most. According to the National Weather Service, most of the rivers in eastern Iowa are forecast to experience moderate to major flooding this week.

Meteorologist David Cousins of the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities said flooding was confined to mainly the Mississippi River until yesterday.

“New water is just aggravating the problem,” Cousins said. “Water levels are rising on most rivers out here.”

In Des Moines, the Raccoon River and Des Moines River are both forecast to experience moderate flooding this week, according to the National Weather Service. Johnson said all rivers in Des Moines will likely reach flood capacity this week.

Kevin Baskins, communications bureau chief for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said he had heard no reports of flooding in Des Moines’ parks. He also said he had heard of no reports of water-related injuries.

If flooding does occur, people and their pets should avoid contact with the water, Baskins said. He explained that bacteria is washed into the water whenever there is flooding.

 The anniversary will celebrate the Market’s second year on the expansive grassy field just off River Street at Plimoth Plantation and the ceremonial passing of the cowbell from Market founder and long time manager Barbara Anglin to two new, yet familiar faces: Martha Stone and Lieza Dagher.

The Market’s 10th season of presenting locally grown foods in America’s Hometown will celebrate returning and new farmers, foodmakers and artisans from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday through October, rain or shine, plus musical entertainment, storytellers, community partners and food literacy demonstrations.

Regional farmers will offer their fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy cheese, freshly caught lobsters, grass-fed meats, herbs, honey, cut flowers and plants. Expect local cooks preparing nourishing fare, preserves and take-home foods. Bakers will bring small-batch breads and baked goods, and you’ll find the work of the makers of fine crafts.

EBT/SNAP/debit cards are accepted, as well as WIC, senior and Jordan Hospital fresh food vouchers. The Market location offers ample free parking, with handicap and senior parking close to the field. Plimoth Plantation is also accessible on the GATRA Mayflower Link bus, and free market bags will be available for GATRA riders.

While Anglin is stepping away from the helm, she will continue to serve as a member of the market’s 12-person advisory group.

“Martha and Lieza both have a deep understanding of local farms and nourishing foods, and are like family within our market community,” Anglin said. “They are excited to support the wider community’s appetite for a strong and healthy local-food system, and I feel fortunate they are willing to devote time and attention to oversee the next decade of presenting locally grown food in Plymouth.”

On opening day more than 40 farmers, cooks and foodmakers will raise their tents on the River Street field, with new farmers and cooks joining several who have grown and cooked for Plymouth for many years. And you can pause to enjoy foot-stomping performances by the Lindsays of Plymouth and meet Megan Parker, who’s seeking entry in the Guinness Book of World Records, as she blows a display of giant bubbles. Plus, Joanna Farrar, the chef at Rye Tavern in The Pinehills, will cook up a seasonal demonstration of local cuisine.