Runoff from snowmelt is causing area rivers to rise above flood stage. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the English River at Kalona Monday. Washington County Emergency Management Director Marissa Reisen warns if you see a flooded road, turn around, “Definitely don’t go into the water. If it’s standing water it only takes about two feet of water to float your car, and if there’s a current with that water as little as six inches can move your vehicle. And if you’re walking through it and it has a current it doesn’t take that much to knock you down and sweep you away.”

From Sunday to Monday the English River at Kalona rose nearly nine feet. At Kalona the flood stage is 14 feet and as of Monday afternoon it was 15.2 feet high. Minor flooding is forecast, impacting agricultural land along the river. Listen to KCII for flood updates.