Essential Estrogen

Cedar Rapids, a city that literally built itself on the Cedar River, is feeling the fury of Mother Nature tonight as officials call for the mandatory evacuation of everyone within the 500-year flood plain.

In an afternoon City council meeting, officials decided that all of the city's bridges crossing the Cedar River would be shut down at 8 p.m. tonight. The move effectively divides the east and west sides of the city, forcing those who need to cross the river to travel the interstate and/or state highways around the downtown area.

When these photographs and video clips were shot this afternoon, the Cedar River was estimated to be at 20.5 feet. The river is expected to crest Friday morning at 24.5 feet, roughly two feet above the 100-year flood plain level, which prompted the expanded evacuation area.

The 3rd Avenue Bridge was closed earlier Wednesday. Within hours of that closing, the 1st Avenue Bridge was also closed. City workers and emergency services personnel are currently closing the 2nd Avenue Bridge. At this time, the only bridge remaining open is the 8th Avenue Bridge.

Exits from Interstate 380 leading into affected areas have also been closed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. It is unknown at this time when and if the Cedar River bridge on Hwy 30 will be closed. Officials are hesitant to set a time frame for the bridge and exit closures, citing "a much lower river" as the primary indicator of when the infrastructure would be re-opened.

Ann Thelan, a spokeswoman for MidAmerican Energy, said that natural gas is being shut off to properties in the flood plain area. The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has sent messages to membership urging flood preparations. Union production employees at Quaker Oats will end their work day at 7 p.m., according to an email sent by plant officials. There will be no third shift at Quaker and production overtime has been canceled for the weekend.

City, county and federal emergency officials continue to urge residents to steer clear of the downtown area. Traffic congestion and foot traffic throughout the day has made it difficult for local shop owners to sandbag and remove equipment from their businesses.

Residents being evacuated are instructed to pack necessary items including blankets, medical supplies and prescriptions, personal care items and special foods. Once packed, residents should turn off any appliances, plug floor drains and lock all doors and windows. A white cloth should be attached near the front of the home so that emergency workers know the property has been evacuated. Residents who are aware of elderly and/or handicapped neighbors are encouraged to check on those individuals.

Roosevelt Middle School, located at 300 13th St. NW in Cedar Rapids, is open to house evacuees. Pets in need of a place to stay should be taken to the Cedar Valley Humane Society, located on Mount Vernon Road just east of Hwy 13.

Residents in need of transportation should contact Linn County Emergency Management at (319) 363-2671.