In June of 2018, Central Iowa observed a major flash flood event caused by a storm system that dumped anywhere from 5" to 10" of rain overnight on June 30. The result yielded highly flood creeks, some creeks were destroyed and record water levels were observed in Fourmile and Walnut Creeks (NWS 2018). Flooding caused a water main break, forcing some residents to boil water before using and had residents kayaking through neighborhoods (Des Moines Register 2018a). The boil order was lifted for most residents after locating the break, but some still fell within the order. One duplex townhome actually exploded (Des Moines Register 2018b). No one was harmed in the explosion, but they did narrowly escape.
The same could not be said for 'local legend' Larry Cotlar. Cotlar was an announcer for Drake's basketball team for over 10 years as well as for the Iowa Barnstorms, a professional indoor football team located in Des Moines (We are Iowa 2019).
A twitter feed dedicated to these events can be found here: Des Moines/Ankeny Catastrophic Flash Flooding. Many photos and videos are embedded within that feed.
Below is an aerial video taken
What has the response been:
After the floods, the follow actions were taken (We are Iowa 2019):
A 1% increase in sales tax was imposed in Polk County. The first 50% was dedicated to property tax relief, and the remaining 50% was dedicated to upgrading infrastructure.
Concrete boxes have been buried beneath the street to help delay storm surges, allowing sewers to catch up with the heavy water flow.
100 homes were identified as being eligible for a flood plain buyout at 110% of their home value. 80 of the 100 homeowners agreed to the buyout.
Here is another video of a neighborhood - St. James Place in Ankeny that borders Fourmile Creek. This youtube channel recorded footage of the creek a week prior to the flooding.
1. NWS. 2018. June 30, 2018 Central Iowa Major Flash Flood Event. Available from https://www.weather.gov/dmx/20180630_EpicFlashFlood
2. Des Moines Register. 2018a. Ankeny water main break located; most of the city's boil order canceled. Available from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2018/07/01/iowa-flooding-ankeny-under-boil-order-after-major-water-main-break-des-moines-weather-forecast/748927002/
3.Des Moines Register. 2018b. Urbandale couple escapes death in flash flood: 'Next thing I know, we were underwater'. Available from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/07/01/des-moines-flooding-urbandale-couple-survives-flood-drowning-home-explosion/749441002/
4. We Are Iowa. 2019. Floods of 2018: Lessons Learned. Available from https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/floods-of-2018-lessons-learned/524-504911b7-e5fa-4d4c-a1e8-f681b981778c
No comments:
Post a Comment