Flood of 2008 Thread (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, George: hotels, vs., centers)

[El Rhino]

I went out to take a few photos today:

This is about half a mile from my house on Hartford. It's the Des Moines River and the street's closed. There's a railyard and a soccer complex somewhere back there.



A little up the road:


A downtown business that looks like it's getting ready for a war:


Off Second Ave:



Rail bridge on the Des Moines River, literally.



The river creeping up on downtown:


Principal Park:

[Mach50]

I have a cousin in Cedar Rapids who lost a business and a house there, luckily they are all ok...trying times.

Having just went through fires here in California last year, my home was almost lost too, so let it be known that my families heart is with you in Iowa.

[DLK55]

El Rhino, any idea what it's like on the NE side of town, specifically NE 3rd Street? My cousin lives east of where NW 45th was closed, a couple of blocks from 415. She's pretty well north of Birdland, but I haven't heard from her in a couple days and was wondering how that area was doing.

[LPerkins33]

I just got home from 2 weeks in Boise which had great weather the whole time and now half of Iowa City and the Ville are underwater. Oh and this curfew is total BS. Give me a break anyone stupid enough to venture into the water deserves a Darwin Award and whatever is coming to them.

I don't need some power tripping cop to tell me what to do, I'm an adult for crying out loud.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by DLK55

El Rhino, any idea what it's like on the NE side of town, specifically NE 3rd Street? My cousin lives east of where NW 45th was closed, a couple of blocks from 415. She's pretty well north of Birdland, but I haven't heard from her in a couple days and was wondering how that area was doing.

Honestly, I'm not sure. I work over by there and as of Friday the area was alright. I believe there's a good sized berm around the Firestone plant which would protect that area a bit... I think. I don't know since the levee broke at Birdland. I tried to get up that way, but the roads were blocked off. If she did get flooded, I'm sure she's alright as I haven't heard of anyone getting hurt.

[Drouzin]

For those affected by the flooding, we are so sad for you and hope that the nation's response is a comfort for you.

[blueskies49]

I'm another one offering up prayers and condolences! I'm so sorry for what y'all are going through. What a heartache. My brother-in-law is originally from Pomeroy, Iowa. His parents still live there but they told him that they don't have it bad at all in their part of the state which is in the northwestern area, I believe. Mostly a few flooded fields is all. Hope y'all make it through alright!

[cobolt]

I can't even begin to tell you how heartbreaking it is for me to watch the news coverage of the flooding. I grew up in the Midwest and am seriously considering flying out there from the West coast to volunteer my services in helping with the aid and rebuilding in lieu of taking a summer vacation. My prayers and thoughts are with you all

[Tek_Freek]

While giving your thoughts and prayers to those here in Iowa, please don't forget that all the water we have been suffering through is going to end up in the Mississippi River and there are areas downstream that may be going through the same next week and beyond...

[cobolt]

I've been looking online to sign up for volunteer opportunities to help out those in the Midwest flood area. I am currently in the Seattle area but would like to take my time to physically help in any way I can. Does anyone have any suggestions about how someone who isn't local would pursue this? I only see monetary donation sites or sites soliciting the help of local communities.

Thanks