Northern Iowa — Governor Reynolds has declared 15 counties state disaster areas and many of those counties had significant flash flooding from storms that moved through on Monday and Tuesday.
Algona got five inches of rain, flooding roads and basements. Flash flooding in the Newton area stranded vehicles and closed roads, including a portion of Highway 5. Applington-Parkersburg and Dike-New Hartford schools are closed today (Wednesday) due to flooding. In Clay County, there was rain and hail on Monday night, then more rain on Tuesday. Clay County Emergency Management Director Eric Tigges says the small community of Webb and surrounding areas were hard hit.
Strong winds Tuesday night broke the Queen II cruise boat loose on West Lake Okoboji. Jon Pausley, manager of the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, says there’s no visible damage above the water line.
It appears the keel of the boat is sitting on the beach. A barge service was going to try to pull the boat back to the dock on Wednesday.
The Queen II underwent a million-dollar renovation this winter and its first excursion of the season is scheduled this Saturday.
(Queen II picture courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake)
