HAWARDEN, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — UPDATE (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.