Rain and melting snow have caused area river levels to rise and flooding in low-lying areas. Flood warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for the English River at Kalona and the Iowa River near Lone Tree, at Wapello and at Oakville. At Kalona the flood warning is in effect until Sunday. The river’s first crest occurred below flood stage but it is forecast to rise above 17 feet by Friday with moderate flooding. Near Lone Tree the Iowa River is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday and reach 18.4 feet Thursday, and then rise again to 19.5 feet on Saturday. The flood warning there is in effect until further notice.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says there’s also the added risk of ice jams, “But as we warm up and as we get increased streamflow, that’s when we do see more ice in the streams and rivers so we do get, especially this week moving in toward the end of the week, a more, or a higher chance, of ice jamming on the rivers.”

At Wapello, the Iowa River is expected to crest Tuesday and then rise above flood stage again Monday with it rising above 22 feet on Monday. When water reaches 22 feet at Wapello water affects residences near the Highway 61 bridge.

The flood warning is in effect until further notice at Oakville where moderate flooding is forecast. Flood stage there is 16 feet and it is expected to be above 18 feet Thursday and rise again Saturday night to 19.5 feet. At 18.5 feet the River Junction Access is flooded and low lying rural roads are under water. Rain is in the forecast through Wednesday, listen to KCII for weather updates.