Mississippi River Flooding

After the long, hard winter that the midwest saw this year, we were all ready for some warm, sunny, spring-like weather. Unfortunately, all of the snow melt and LOTS of rain quickly led to major flooding in our area.

After a few weeks of water levels rising, Matt took three of the kids out to explore our river town(s). This is the day after the Mississippi River crested in Moline (IL) at 22.7 feet (record setting). It also set a new record of consecutive days of the river being out of her banks - 41 days.

Moline has built up parts of their riverfront. Also, this section is a back water area, so the water doesn't seem to be so high. There is a nice dock on the water with a ramp and steps leading down to the water. Everything was covered by the flood.

Here is a non-flood picture of the same area. Hopefully this gives a little perspective on where the water should be.

They saw 2 snakes along this walk. Yikes!!

They left Moline and headed to Davenport (IA). They crossed the bridge, found a parking spot and headed back towards the bridge.

On April 30th, the flood wall was breached in Davenport. Watch this video from one of the local restaurants. It is devastating to see how quickly things can change. Half of downtown Davenport was covered in water in a matter of minutes.

Notice the sky bridge in the distance - Matt and the kids headed there next for some overhead shots of the flooding.

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In the past, the ball diamond would be flooded as well. After some renovations, the owners added flood protection with walls and berms to protect the park from the water.

LeClaire Park (behind the ferris wheel) often floods. There is a very low flood wall along this park. There have been many debates over the past few years regarding Davenport's need for a bigger flood wall. I am sure it will be discussed again soon.

Now looking towards the bridge that they just walked across.

This is the top of a "kiosk" type of building down by the riverfront. 

Notice the line of street lights on the upper right corner of the next picture. That is the end of the parking lot/walkway. It is a perfect place to stop and view the magestic eagles during winter!

It has been a devastating Spring for the midwest. It is now mid June and many farmers haven't been able to get to their fields to plant their crops. Many fields are still completely covered by water. Those fields are MILES from a river! Our ground is saturated due to all the rain we have received over the past 3 months. We are just now starting to see the water recede and the long road of clean up begins.