The temporary levee in downtown Davenport has been breached. Around 3:50 pm, the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities issued a flash flood warning for Scott County, and it's in effect until 9:45 pm.
Davenport's Facebook page says the HESCO barriers on River Drive failed at Pershing Avenue. So areas around Pershing, Iowa, Perry, and 2nd streets are all under water. Public works, fire, police and emergency management staff are all helping people evacuate.
Davenport's 2nd Street is not accessible from Lock and Dam 15 to Brady Street. And traffic from Arsenal Island should leave using the Moline bridge. Travel south of 3rd Street in Davenport is not advised.
Scott County and Davenport thought they were prepared for the second crest of the Mississippi River.
And despite the breached, temporary levee downtown, they're helping residents and other people who need it.
This morning, public works and emergency management officials gave reporters updates about what's being done to protect people and their property.
Dave Donovan, from the Scott County Emergency Management Agency, says people should not assume they know how their homes and businesses will be affected by the historically high water. He says every flood is unique. He says don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you're in immediate danger.
The county agency is ready to help people with temporary housing, water, cleanup kits, and sandbags. Donovan also says for those who qualify, the state offers individual assistance grants.
Nicole Gleason, Davenport's Public Works Director, says as the river rises, drivers should look out for new road closures and detours. Plus, don't drive or walk through floodwater.
Scott County will continue to distribute bottled water and flood cleanup kits at the Pleasant Valley Fire Station on Thursday from 3 to 6 pm, and Sunday from 9 am until 2 pm, and at Davenport's mobile police precinct at Utah and South Concord streets on the same days. More information is available online HERE.
The Red Cross has opened a couple of shelters for people whose homes have been flooded.
In the Iowa Quad Cities, the shelter is located at Davenport's Lincoln Fundamental School in the 300 block of East 7th Street. And the shelter for Illinois residents displaced by high water is open in Moline, at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church. It's in the 1200 block of 13th Street.
The Red Cross of the Quad Cities is encouraging anyone affected by flooding to go to one of the shelters. If possible, take medications, medical devices, clothes, and other personal items with you. Volunteers have set up cots and blankets at the two shelters. And meals will be provided, too.
Copyright 2019 WVIK, Quad Cities NPR
