Monday, September 26, 2016

Here we go again ... maybe

When you read this, my town (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and my hometown (Vinton, Iowa) will be partly under water. Heavy rains north of town means the river flowing through both will flood. It's just a question of how much.

In 2008, it was epic. Our flooding rivaled Katrina for devastation and damage. No, you didn't read much about it because flooding in small and medium-sized towns doesn't make the news. It was as bad, though, relatively speaking. It's taken years to come back from it. The Performing Arts Center in Iowa City just reopened 2 weeks ago after being in temporary quarters for 8 years. The libraries and theaters and museums just reopened 3 and 4 years ago.

Now it's happening again. But we've learned a lot and the damage won't be as bad this time. Flood measures are in place at the buildings, parking lots are on the ground floor now and offices are higher up, and we know now which roads will flood and which won't (which we didn't know in 2008). The entire community has volunteered space, money, sweat labor, and support. That's kind of what we do. We dig in and get it done. It's great if the Feds help us, but we've learned not to count on them. Don't get me started on that.

This isn't a question of people living near flood zones (I mean, New Orleans: I'm sorry. You're below sea level. Yes, you will flood. Often.) Some areas that are flooding here are, for the most part, far away from the river. We lost a lot of homes and business in 2008 and they didn't rebuild in the flood plain. We put in green spaces and parks. Yes, some businesses will flood, but it won't be as bad as it has been in the past. Hopefully.

So keep your eyes on that news story buried somewhere in your newspaper or that 30-second sound bite on the national news. That's us, in the heartland. We'll come through it, but it would be nice if you folks out there would send us some positive thoughts and prayers. We'll probably need 'em.

J L Wilson
jayellwilson.com



10 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Definitely positive thoughts and prayers, JL. And then some. You're right, help from the Feds pttttt. We in the heartland do dig in and get it done.

Barbara Edwards said...

Your town sounds like the most wonderful place to live. Caring for each other, planning ahead, and being ready. wow. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Great to hear the town pulled together! It's a 'can-do' attitude (and good leadership) that deserves reward...and brings pride in the town. Sending good thoughts to Cedar Falls...do report in on how you all fared. The floodings and the droughts in the U.S. are worrisome, for sure.

Jannine Gallant said...

Hoping for the best for you, JL. I'm pretty sure the only topic we'll see on the news tonight is the brawl...uh, I mean debate.

Brenda Whiteside said...

If only we could take some of your water, JL. Roosevelt Lake is at 34%. This is another kind of devastation. Good luck. Jannine is right, the first comedy routine...uh, I mean debate, will be the only news in town.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Flooding can happen almost anywhere. We live in a city along the James River, but we're also a city of seven hills. Our home is on a hill. Still...one never knows. Good wishes and prayers being sent your way. Water is a dangerous and damaging thing. I love your local attitude. Dig in and get'er done.

Andrea Downing said...

I live on the east end of Long Island, New York. I'm already thinking of moving because, really, it's only a matter of time. Hurricanes in the past have been pretty devastating but we didn't really get hit by Sandy which destroyed whole areas of the 5 boroughs of New York. But here I am, between Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. So my prayers are for you today, but I'd appreciate yours 'tomorrow.'

Leah St. James said...

Sending all good thoughts your way, JL! You're right, that prior flooding didn't make big news, but I do remember. My best/oldest friend lives in the Quad Cities area and told me about it. I was in Iowa City back in May for her daughter's wedding, and I got a sense of that community that you mentioned. Sounds like you guys have done a great job of preparing for the worst-case scenario. Wishing you all luck...stay safe.

Diane Burton said...

Sorry to hear about the flooding. Hope you & your family stay safe.

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Definitely sending positive thoughts and prayers. I've seen some of the photographs sent by a friend and the devastation is hard to imagine. Be safe!