© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Levee in Downtown Davenport Breaks, Residents & Others Evacuated

The temporary levee in downtown Davenport has been breached. Around 3:50 pm, the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities issued a flash flood warning for Scott County, and it's in effect until 9:45 pm.

Davenport's Facebook page says the HESCO barriers on River Drive failed at Pershing Avenue. So areas around Pershing, Iowa, Perry, and 2nd streets are all under water. Public works, fire, police and emergency management staff are all helping people evacuate.

Davenport's 2nd Street is not accessible from Lock and Dam 15 to Brady Street. And traffic from Arsenal Island should leave using the Moline bridge. Travel south of 3rd Street in Davenport is not advised.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
/
WVIK News
Around 11:00 this morning, Davenport Public Works employees worked hard to reinforce the HESCO baskets with sandbags. Several hours later, the Mississippi breached the temporary levee in this area between Pershing and Iowa avenues. It's completely inundated now.

Scott County and Davenport thought they were prepared for the second crest of the Mississippi River.

And despite the breached, temporary levee downtown, they're helping residents and other people who need it.

This morning, public works and emergency management officials gave reporters updates about what's being done to protect people and their property. 

Dave Donovan, from the Scott County Emergency Management Agency, says people should not assume they know how their homes and businesses will be affected by the historically high water. He says every flood is unique. He says don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you're in immediate danger. 

The county agency is ready to help people with temporary housing, water, cleanup kits, and sandbags. Donovan also says for those who qualify, the state offers individual assistance grants. 

Nicole Gleason, Davenport's Public Works Director, says as the river rises, drivers should look out for new road closures and detours. Plus, don't drive or walk through floodwater.

Scott County will continue to distribute bottled water and flood cleanup kits at the Pleasant Valley Fire Station on Thursday from 3 to 6 pm, and Sunday from 9 am until 2 pm, and at Davenport's mobile police precinct at Utah and South Concord streets on the same days. More information is available online HERE.

The Red Cross has opened a couple of shelters for people whose homes have been flooded.

In the Iowa Quad Cities, the shelter is located at Davenport's Lincoln Fundamental School in the 300 block of East 7th Street. And the shelter for Illinois residents displaced by high water is open in Moline, at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church. It's in the 1200 block of 13th Street. 

The Red Cross of the Quad Cities is encouraging anyone affected by flooding to go to one of the shelters. If possible, take medications, medical devices, clothes, and other personal items with you. Volunteers have set up cots and blankets at the two shelters. And meals will be provided, too.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
Related Content
  • Community
    Water and cleanup supplies will be available this week for people affected by continued flooding along the Mississippi River. The Red Cross will hand them…