Iowa DOT's I-80 Mississippi River Bridge, near Le Claire, Iowa.Photo: Iowa DOT
(Rock Island, IL) -- Drone technology is proving useful in the fight against the rising Mississippi River. Anthony Heddlesten of the U-S Army Corps of Engineers says drones have been sent up to gather a wide range of data, which can be used to survey levels and detect weak areas which could be prone to levee breaches. A levee breach in 2019 resulted in extensive flooding in downtown Davenport.
The river is currently at major flood stage and expected to crest in the Quad Cities early next week just below 22 feet, the 2019 record.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is issuing a disaster proclamation for Iowa counties along the river: Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, Des Moines County, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties.
The City of Davenport has posted additional flood preparedness information online. (including street closures)