As I’m sure most of you have heard (if anyone’s still checking in here over the summer), Iowa City is experiencing some really horrible flooding right now.  I’m not going to go into scientific details; check any other Iowa-related website if you want to know accurate facts or river levels or flood plain maps.

Tim and I are working in the clinic this summer, so we reported for duty as usual this morning.  The BLB is pretty quiet in the summer, but this morning was even more quiet than usual.  Tim went to a meeting, I sat in my carrel getting some things out in the mail that needed to be sent.  We arrived around 8:45, and by 10:30 we were leaving.  Rumors came up that the Burlington Street bridge would be closing, then we all read the University flood blog which announced that everything would be closed for a week effective tomorrow.  Everyone remained fairly calm (though there was a little bit of urgency in the air) while we called our clients to reschedule meetings or cancel appointments.  

The canteen never opened; instead, they left a few sad-looking salads and pieces of fruit out in the cooler with a sign that said “FREE” on it.

The BLB is on fairly high ground and probably not vulnerable to flood damage.  I overheard snippets of conversation between faculty members; apparently, they are concerned about utilities going out in our building.

So, we left the clinic, went to the store and stocked up on water, flashlights, and candles.  As of right now, we still have power and everything, but better safe than sorry.  I went out to the Johnson County Fairgrounds to help at the emergency location of the animal shelter, but didn’t stay long as someone bringing in a donation announced that Riverside was going to be closed soon.  (On my way there, Riverside between Benton and Highway 6 was closed, so I had to go around.  Past the Arby’s, it was down to one lane with 2-3 inches of water on it.)

I’m hoping I’ll be able to get out there to help again soon, but for now I’m staying out of the way and off the roads.  Anyway, I hope everyone in Iowa City (and Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines, and everywhere else) is staying safe and dry.