Concerns are high along with the water level of the Wapsipinicon river in Iowa. It’s now a foot above flood stage. The water has reached houses and businesses that call the Wapsi home.
The parking lot of Wapsi Willy’s restaurant looks like part of the Wapsi River. The restaurant’s owner, Lance jorgenson, says even though the pavement is soaked, the building hasn’t sustained any damage.
“Well, it’s got a flood wall around it. and then we just barricade it, plastic and then sand, and then we’ve got pumps inside the wall, and inside the building that keeps it dry in there…The worst part’s closing down,” Jorgensen said.
Jorgensen lives nearby in theWild Wood neighborhood: A place many people expect yearly floods.
“We’ll park our cars at the end, and we’ve all got flood boats that we can get in and out with,” Jorgensen said.
In the Wild Wood neighborhood is where Local 4 News cres saw the majority of the flooding. It’s just steps away from the Wapsipinicon river, and even when you’re standing on the road, the water can get up to your knees.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning all the way up to DeWitt, which is four miles north of the Wild Wood neighborhood.
Connie Schnoor and her husband, Ken, have lived in the wildwood neighborhood 17 years. During floods, they sometimes will use a boat to get around. This time though, they’ve been getting in and out on an A.T.V. or tractor.
“This is a minor one, we’ve had it up to 14.2 [inches] which is the highest it’s ever been, but this one will probably be in the top ten,” Schnoor said.
Even though the area can see up to five floods per year, the residents still love living by the Wapsi.
“When it’s not flooded, it’s wonderful. We’re just river rats. we like it! My dog loves it, of course,” Jorgensen said.
The flooding is expected to last until Wednesday. The National Weather Service predicts the Wapsi river could reach 13 feet over the weekend.
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