Two Des Moines rivers are experiencing flooding after Tuesday’s storms. What to know

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register

Two rivers in Des Moines are experiencing minor flooding after severe thunderstorms hit Iowa Tuesday.

Seven trails around Des Moines are closed due to standing water on the paths. Flooding is not at major levels, but they did see a sharp increase due to the storms. Water levels are expected to drop near flooding gauge by next week.

So what bodies of water are nearing flood levels and which Des Moines trails are closed as a result of flooding?

Where is there flooding in Des Moines?

Reports of minor flooding have occurred on Fleur Drive from the Raccoon River, according to the National Weather Service. The river level has spiked in the last few days, increasing nearly 10 feet since Sunday. The Raccoon River is projected to drop to 9 to 10 feet over the course of the next week, according to NWS.

The Des Moines River is also experiencing minor flooding and nearing moderate flooding, according to NWS. The water level hit 24.9 feet by Wednesday and could possibly reach 25.8 feet by Thursday. The river is inching near the moderate flood line of 26 feet, but as the week continues the levels are projected to drop to 22 feet.

What trails are closed due to flooding?

  • Gay Lea Wilson: Colfax to Williams

  • Neal Smith: Birdland to Sixth Avenue

  • Trestle to Trestle: Interurban to Polk County building

  • Walnut Creek: Grand Avenue Bridge

  • Principal Riverwalk: Principal Park to Riverwalk Park

  • John Pat Dorrian: Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge

  • Bill Riley: Walnut Creek connector to Water Works Park

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Which Des Moines trails are closed due to flooding?

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