Floodwaters swamp Cedar Rapids, Iowa

By Wikinews

In the United States, theCedar Rivercontinues to break records today as it floods Cedar Rapids,Iowa. The river isapproaching its expected crest of over 30 feet, over 18 feet overflood stage and more than ten feet over the previous recordhigh.

The downtown area is underwater, as well as several residentialneighborhoods against the river.

All road bridges over the river in the area except for theInterstate380 bridge are closed and covered with water, and one of thetwo railroad bridges has swept away. For a short time, theLinn CountySheriff’s Department had closed I-380 to allow emergency servicesto use it, but later re-opened it, allowing traffic in therightmost lane.

The river is expected to crest around 7:00 a.m. Friday morning(June 13).