DECORAH, Iowa (AP) — The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for several northeast Iowa counties following heavy overnight rains that have forced evacuations and school closures.
Authorities said Wednesday that nearly 8½ inches of rain fell in Decorah and more than 5½ inches in Dorchester. The weather service says the Turkey River at Elkader is expected to rise past its flood stage of 12 feet and reach nearly 25 feet by Thursday afternoon.
Winneshiek County says evacuations have taken place in Freeport and that an emergency shelter has been set up in Decorah. Winneshiek and Allamakee county officials say several roads are washed out or are covered with runoff. Sandbagging is underway in Spillville and Fort Atkinson.
School was canceled in Decorah, Riceville and several other towns.
