“Our community has come together and worked so hard these past few days to sandbag and protect homes and businesses,” said Webster County Board of Supervisors Chair Niki Conrad. “I’m so proud of our residents and thankful for every person who volunteered or donated food and water. Everyone really pitched in.”

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, the river was at 16.12 feet with an updated forecast model predicting a crest of 17.70 feet in the early morning hours today. The crest is expected in Lehigh approximately 12 hours later.

The National Weather Service also anticipates an additional 1-1.5 inches of rain later this week which is not figured into the forecasted river crest, but could cause additional flooding problems.

While officials await the river crest, they continue to remind residents to stay away from and out of flood waters.

-Drone photo by Rick Thompson
The Des Moines River has flooded part of Sunkissed Meadows in Fort Dodge. The Kenyon Road Bridge and the High Bridge are shown in the background.

“Please do not jump off of bridges into the river,” said Webster County Engineer Jamie Johll. “The situation is incredibly dangerous. By entering the water, not only are you risking your own life, but possibly the lives of our first responders.”

Webster County Animal Control Officer Kaila Benson also reminds residents to take care of their pets and not leave them in harm’s way, as flood waters can rapidly rise.

“Don’t wait too long to evacuate,” said Benson. “Animals can sense danger, so waiting too long can cause the situation to become so chaotic that pets are hard to catch.”

Residents in high alert areas are again reminded to pay attention to flood waters and to pack a bag with medications and medical supplies in case of emergency evacuations. Temporary housing remains available at Iowa Central Community College. Those in need of housing are asked to call the Webster County Health Department at 515-573-4107.