Premium ContentClick on Premium Content on the Featured navigation bar for information.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Residents in Emmet County in north central Iowa are bracing for flooding because of an ice jam on the Des Moines River.
It's south of Estherville and is causing the river to swell near town.
A flash flood warning was issued for the county until Tuesday afternoon.
The river near Estherville on Tuesday was at 9.5 feet. That's 2 feet above flood stage. The river is expected to crest at 13.5 feet on Friday and that's without the ice jam.
Emmet County Emergency Management Coordinator Terry Reeker says he plans to shut down streets in Estherville if water levels reach 13 feet.
Some houses and businesses are already surrounded by sandbags. Reeker says shelters will open if residents have to head to higher ground.
Contact the Omaha World-Herald newsroom
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
