Dubuque, Tri-States Readying for Potentially Record-Breaking Flooding

AUTHOR'S NOTE: THE PICTURES TAKEN IN THIS ARTICLE WERE TAKEN BY JULIE B., AND WERE MISCREDITED AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION. A BIG THANK YOU TO HER FOR HER STELLAR SHOTS.

We Midwesterners are no strangers to flooding, especially during this time of year. The winter weather breaks and often gives way to severe thunderstorms, or at least consistent rainfall that raises river levels across the region. However, as of the last couple days, all eyes have been on the Mississippi River, which is reaching historically high water levels.

As of Monday, April 25th, the river levels at Lock and Dam No. 11 in Dubuque hit 22.42 feet, per the Telegraph Herald. That puts us in the range for a major flood, according to the National Weather Service. River levels are expected to reach nearly 25 feet, which would surpass the flooding of 1965 and 2001, and be one of the highest river levels the Tri-States has ever seen.

Anyone who ventures down to the Mississippi Riverwalk in Dubuque can see for themselves how concerningly high the river levels are.

Some (IE: myself) might initially question how the river levels can be so high when the rainfall at the start of the spring season has been relatively normal or expected. The main culprit in the nearly record-breaking levels is significant snowmelt that's been running into the river for weeks. Warming temperatures have also contributed to the rising levels.

As of Tuesday, April 26th, more than 1.4 million people were under flood warnings, according to the weather service. Warnings have been issued throughout most riverside locales from North Dakota to Missouri, and of course eastern Iowa. Residents of southern McGregor, IA have already been asked to evacuate as residents have been laying down sandbags and other materials in efforts to prevent water from spilling on the streets.

According to the Telegraph Herald, students and adults in Cassville, WI were permitted to skip school earlier this week to help stack sandbags around more than 200 homes as a safety precaution.

Right now, the concern is on the weekend forecast, which could bring more rain to the Tri-States as soon as Friday evening. There's a possibility for rain Saturday and Sunday too, which could flood walkways and potentially businesses along the Mighty Mississippi.

Click here for flood safety tips and how you can best protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.