FORT DODGE, Iowa — The city of Fort Dodge could see the Des Moines River at its third highest level in recorded history, with the city manager saying it's possibly already making the top 10, even with its current levels. This comes after intense flooding across the entire Midwest over the last week.
Despite the heat, volunteers went out with shovels and sandbags ready to help the community.
"We've been here 27 years. Never seen anything like this," said Mark Campbell, a local business owner.
Flooding conditions in Fort Dodge are already trickling in, according to City Manager David Fierke. "A number of roads have closed and more will close as the water level rises," he said.
The city is dry as of Monday, but officials say it won't stay that way forever.
"There's a handful of homes where the water may impact the home. Now it's not going to be flooding you see where it's up to the rooftops but it could be a foot or two inside the door," Fierke warned.
The fire department has been knocking on doors of houses that could be impacted to give them a heads up, leaving flyers if they're not home, according to Fierke.
The river is expected to crest on Wednesday.
"You can't help but be scared worried concerned but the mood - everybody's pretty positive. Everyone just wants to help," Criss Ann, another local business owner, said.
Other sandbag sites have been set up throughout the county in preparation for the incoming rise in water levels. Fierke says officials have been planning, closing roads, and working to figure out where that high water mark will land.
"People need to understand that these water bodies are not safe to be in and our ability to rescue people will be very difficult just by the nature of the river really raging," Fierke said.
Fierke added that Webster County Emergency Management is coordinating with the Red Cross to set up refuge sites people can go to if they lose access to their homes.
Webster County Emergency Management says people in areas of concern need to make evacuation plans.