A flood warning issued Wednesday by the National Weather Service in Des Moines remains in effect until 10:15 a.m. Thursday for Dallas and Guthrie counties.
Local law enforcement agencies reported flooding at points across the warned area at 6 a.m. Thursday. Rain and ice jams are causing the localized flooding.
The flood warning continues for the North Raccoon River near Perry or from the Greene-Dallas County line to Adel. At 5:15 a.m. Thursday, the North Raccoon River was at 10.5 feet or 4.5 feet below flood stage. Flood stage is 15.0 feet.
The North Raccoon River is forecast to rise to flood stage Thursday evening and continue rising to 20.5 feet, or 5.5 feet above flood stage, by Saturday evening. At 20.0 feet, limited evacuations may begin in residential areas of Adel along with extensive sandbagging.
The flood warning also continues for the South Raccoon River at Redfield or from the Middle Raccoon River to the North Raccoon River. At 4:45 a.m. Thursday, the stage was 20.2 feet, or 0.2 feet above flood stage. Flood stage is 20.0 feet.
The South Raccoon River is forecast to rise to 20.8 feet, or 0.8 feet above flood stage, Thursday morning and then begin falling to below flood stage by midday. At 20.0 feet, gravel roads on the west and south sides of Redfield are affected as well as Delta Circle Road in the vicinity of the H Avenue bridge.
Along with the Perry area, locations where flooding is possible include West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Grimes, Adel, Guthrie Center, Stuart, Dallas Center, Earlham, Granger, Panora, De Soto, Woodward, Van Meter, Jordan Creek town Center, Lake Panorama, Redfield and Adair.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, country roads, farmland and other low-lying spots.
In hilly terrain, there are hundreds of low water crossings that are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.
ThePerryNews.com will update this weather story as forecasts evolve.
