Quad Cities Flooding after Barrier Breach from Mississippi River

[Image from US Army Garrison-Rock Island Arsenal via Twitter]

A flash flood engulfed parts of downtown Davenport, Iowa, on Tuesday evening, after a temporary barrier designed to hold back water from the Mississippi River failed. The rapid rise of flood waters has ended, but some of the downtown area is still inundated with water.

Flash Flood Warning for downtown Davenport has been canceled. The rapid rise from the flood barrier failure has ended. However, a large portion of downtown will remain inundated from Mississippi #flood waters and local officials urge residents to avoid the area. #iawx #ilwx

— NWS Quad Cities (@NWSQuadCities) April 30, 2019

Emergency services, including the Davenport Fire Department, worked to evacuate and relocate residents and workers from affected homes and shops. Crews evacuated people from cars and buildings as water levels rose and pushed through the downtown. Some residents and business owners went to rooftops for shelter. Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch said there were no reports of injuries.

A portion of the Mississippi River flood barrier failed today in downtown Davenport leading to scenes like this.#flooding pic.twitter.com/xpt8OcOhAd

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) May 1, 2019

Authorities warned locals to steer clear of the floodwater which had been contaminated by local sewage systems, according to a statement from Davenport Public Works.

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Special thank you to the Davenport Fire Dept. for helping those of us who are displaced from the flood @cityofdavenportia @downtowndavenport @wqadnews8 #mightymississippi #flood2019 #thisisamess #whentheleveebreaks

A post shared by Katherine Broughton (@leisuredoc) on Apr 30, 2019 at 6:07pm PDT

Many roads have been closed in the Quad Cities and areas along the Mississippi River in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

Due to the recent heavy rains, portions of River Drive have been closed due to flooded roadways.

Do not drive into water that covers roadways, it is dangerous. It can also be expensive as it will damage and likely total your vehicle.

Helpful hints: 🚧🏎🚧🙅🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/fr4caAkxny

— Moline Police (@MolinePolice) April 30, 2019

Here is a look at river flood forecasts from the Quad Cities National Weather Service, along with record crests. Mississippi River waters will likely continue to rise over the next few days, with flooding continuing. Some locations may see record flood levels.

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels