Near-Record Flood Cresting Expected Along Mississippi River

Mississippi River flooding is expected to crest at the seventh-highest level on record this week. Some residents along the river have been forced to evacuate while others schlep sandbags to keep water at bay. But USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the worst is yet to come as rapid snowpack melting continues to push river levels higher. River levels near Clinton, Iowa, were as low as 8.9 feet in January of 2022 but are expected to hit 20.6 feet this week — 12 inches above flood stage.

Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport is expected to see a flood crest near 21.6 feet – 6 feet above the flood stage and one foot below the record set on May 2, 2019. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for ten counties in drastically flooded areas. But flooding has been limited to downstream areas and is not expected to impact too much cropland.

However, barge traffic will face a significant hurdle for commodity transportation if flooding continues during the higher export demand season.

Read more on Mississippi River flooding here.