HAWARDEN, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — UPDATE (6/23/2024 @ 8:45 a.m.): The Sioux City Fire Rescue said they were able to assist in the rescue Hawarden residents who were caught in the rising flood water.
According to the Fire Rescue, after finishing their operations in Rock Valley, they moved on to Hawarden. While they were in Hawarden, they were able to use their amphibious vehicle to rescue people who got caught in the rising waters.
The Fire Rescue said their mission was successful and they were able to return to Sioux City late Saturday evening.
UPDATE (6/22/2024): According to the National Water Prediction Center, the Big Sioux River near Hawarden has crested.
The NWPC shows that the river crested at 39.92, that’s approximately 4.4 feet higher than where the river crested in 2019.
The City of Hawarden is asking residents to stay home and avoid trying to drive out of town while the water levels lower.
The City is also asking that residents conserve water during this time. This includes not showering or bathing, drinking tap water, or using the sanitary sewer system. They are asking for participation from all residents.
If you need bottled water for drinking, the City has water available to be picked up at the West Sioux High School parking lot.
The City of Hawarden states that they will provide more updates on their Facebook page. They also have an FAQ available for commonly asked questions.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @ 3:22 p.m.): The City of Hawarden said Saturday around 3:15 p.m. that any residents around Central Park and the city offices should consider evacuating or take precautions.
Earlier, power to the city offices had been turned off. They added that power outages are expected as water impacts electricity.
City staff have since moved to the West Sioux High School. They asked anyone needing help to call 712-551-1181.
The high school is being used for shelter.
UPDATE (6/22/2024 @ 1:05 p.m.): First responders are working to evacuate Hawarden residents as the city ask people to stay home.
The city is also under an emergency water restrictions as the water plant is not functional.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @ 10:05 a.m.): Residents in Hawarden are being asked to watch for any evacuation notices as water continue to rise.
The city said that the area of Frog Pond and Calliope is under an evacuation as of Saturday morning. For anyone who does evacuated, the high school is being used for shelter.
The city shared an image of the city’s floodplain Friday. It said the blue is part of the floodplain as residents be prepared.
The city of Hawarden said is is taking precautions for the rising water and are asking resident to conserve water and to limit sewage usage. They are also asking for resident to not drain sump pumps into the the city streets or drains.
Residents and the community are asked to not travel in the city due to flooding.
They are also asking for any volunteers to help sandbag. Volunteers can report to 808 7th Street.
“We are thankful for the volunteers helping fill sandbags and build berms on Friday. The prediction release Friday is like to change with additional rainfall,” said Hawarden Public Works Director Travis Waterman. “With added precipitation in rivers that flow into the Big Sioux River, we want to be prepared and have additional sandbags to adapt to the unprecedented river levels.”
Waterman added that they hope to have enough sandbags read by noon Saturday. Even so, officials will continue to monitor flooding prediction.