Flood Outlook Raises Mississippi River Flood Risk

Photo: WQAD, Davenport flood 2019

(Undated) -- Forecasters say it's looking very likely there will be significant flooding along the Mississippi River this year. National Weather Service Hydrologist Jeff Zogg says there's a greater than 95 chance of going above flood stage this spring. He says it's due to a very heavy snow pack in Minnesota and Wisconsin, noting the water content of the snow is 4-5 inches. Zogg says that level of moisture along with expected additional snow and rain, could send the river to levels not seen since 2019. That year, the river level reached 22.64 in Davenport, just above the flood of 1993. A temporary flood wall gave way, allowing water to flood parts of downtown Davenport, causing more than $2 million in damages. There were no injuries, but two dozen people had to be rescued.

The NWS has issued it's third and final Spring Flood Outlook. No other rivers in the state of Iowa are at risk for significant flooding at this time.


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