HUMBOLDT, Iowa — The Des Moines River at Humboldt County has reached a new record depth at 16' on Wednesday, flooding many residents homes, and forcing some to have their power and gas services cut off.
For the past few days, residents told Local 5 News they have prepared for the river to flood by stacking sandbags up against their homes, and even motels had sand barricades up to deter rising water levels in town.
"I ain't ever seen the water move this fast before," said resident Michael Brannon. "I ain't seen it this full... It's a bad thing."
MidAmerican Energy said as of Wednesday afternoon, approximately 150 residents in Humboldt have had their gas services shut off ahead of flooding, and two households had their electricity cut off, as a safety precaution. It also mentioned it doesn't expect to turn off gas services in any more homes.
However, it is "to be determined" if power will be cut off in more households ahead of the Des Moines River cresting early Thursday morning at a forecasted 16.9 ft.
"Never did, never thought," Brannon said about the thought of flooding ever affecting the city of Humboldt. "I'm just, I'm just upset because it messed up my fishing. I can't fish no more."
Jim Dodd, who operates a canoe shop in Humboldt, stacked sandbags around his shop on Saturday, but the river had flooded around his property by Wednesday morning when he came to check out the damages.
As water continues to rise into Wednesday evening, Humboldt County is preparing for recovery assistance for the families and businesses impacted by the flooded Des Moines River.