CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Cedar Rapids city leaders say the aftermath of Monday's derecho storm is worse than the floods of 2008.
City Manager Jeff Pomeranz told KCRG TV9 that the city is facing a different situation than it's ever faced, and that the scope of the damage across the city "is worse than the devastating floods of 2008." Also speaking to KCRG TV9, Mayor Brad Hart said he and Pomeranz discussed the possibility of making a request for assistance from the Iowa National Guard but determined that it was not necessary at this time.
The city has requested additional resources from Linn County Emergency Management and the State of Iowa. Pomeranz says it will be up to those agencies as to whether or not the National Guard would need to be deployed. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will meet with Cedar Rapids leaders on Friday to discuss their requests for additional resources.
Alliant Energy has said it may take 5 to 7 days before power is substantially restored throughout the Cedar Rapids area.