News : Flash Flood watch continues, county included in Governor\'s Disaster declaration

Flooding has been reported in many areas of Benton Co.; residents are advised to stay home.

Scott Hansen had two words of advice for Benton County residents Wednesday night: Stay home.

Hansen, the Benton County Emergency Management Agency director, along with his staff and volunteers, had received many reports of many roads, including both gravel and highways, with water over them.

The flash flood affected much of Benton County, said Hansen. Benton County is one of many counties under a flash flood watch until Saturday.

The National Weather Service continues to monitor the Cedar River for possible flood risks.

The National Weather Service Cedar River Page for Vinton indicates that the river crested in Vinton at 10 a.m. Thursday at around 17.9 feet; the level is expected to decrease steadily, but slowly for the next few days.

However, with ground throughout Iowa saturated, any heavy rain falling in the Cedar River valley north of Vinton could significantly increase flood predictions.

Weather spotters, including Vinton Fire Department volunteers, were sent out Wednesday evening to monitor incoming storms. So far, heavy rains have been the main impact of today's storms in the area.

Jason Hicok's rain gauge, as reported on www.vintonweather.com, recorded 1.63 inches on Wednesday, he said.

Governor Terry Branstad included Benton County in his recent Disaster Area Proclamation.

Other flooding reported in area

Many Vinton residents report large quantities of water in their yards.

Walker residents and ACT 1 performers Jeff and Amber Borlander report significant flooding in his house in Walker, northeast of Urbana.

"Keep us in your prayers," posted Amber on Facebook. "Our house is taking on water -- from every port of entry it can. Jeff says our garage is most likely lost. He and the kids moved as much as they could before the water rushed in. It got to the point that Jeff says he is heading to the Fire Dept. to help them out since there is nothing left to do for our place that can be done. I'm over in Vinton so I haven't seen anything yet...and I am definitely in shock. Heading home now. See how this goes."