Iowa cities along the Mississippi River are the latest to be hit by flooding

Iowa cities along the Mississippi River are enduring flooding this week as water moves downstream from parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin hit by the same late June storm system that sent northwest Iowa streams to record crests in the Missouri River basin.

From Dubuque to Burlington, the Mississippi has reached major flood level, and the water is expected to remain high, in some cases, into next week.

The National Water Prediction Service shows the river crested above major flood stage at 22.3 feet at Dubuque on Saturday, and remains in moderate flooding. Downstream, it is peaking at Davenport, Muscatine and Burlington, and is expected to remain in major flooding into next week.

Matt Wilson, senior service hydrologist at the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, said riverside areas behind levees and flood walls are protected. But those who remain in areas outside that zone are having to use boats to access their homes and have had utilities cut off.

According to a news release from the Scott County Emergency Management Authority, Davenport and Bettendorf residents affected by flooding will be able to collect drinking water supplied by the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. The distribution centers will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-5 p.m. until June 26. The Davenport center is located at 3908 West River Drive, and the Bettendorf facility at 24495 Valley Drive.

According to Wilson, major evacuations are not likely to be needed, but that doesn't mean it's safe. The U.S. Coast Guard says recreational boating is prohibited on most of the river in Iowa until further notice.

"It's a very dangerous time to be on the river," Wilson said. "It is high, the currents are fast and its picked up quite a bit of debris. Even large boats could be at risk."

Ryan Magalhães is a reporter for the Register. Reach them at rmagalhaes@dmreg.com.