Hawarden residents around Central Park and municipal offices should consider evacuating

HAWARDEN, Iowa (KCAU) — UPDATE (6/22/2024 at 3:22 p.m.): The City of Hawarden said Saturday around 3:15 p.m. that all residents around Central Park and municipal offices should consider evacuating or take precautions .

Previously, electricity to municipal offices had been cut off. They added that power outages are expected as water impacts electricity.

City staff have since moved to West Sioux High School. They asked anyone needing help to call 712-551-1181.

The high school is used as a shelter.

UPDATE (06/22/2024 at 1:05 p.m.): First responders are working to evacuate Hawarden residents as the city asks people to stay home.

The city is also under emergency water restrictions as the water plant is not functional.

PREVIOUS (06/22/2024 at 10:05 a.m.): Hawarden residents are urged to watch for any evacuation notices as water continues to rise.

The city said the Frog Pond and Calliope area was being evacuated Saturday morning. For all those who are evacuated, the high school is used as a shelter.

The city shared an image of the city’s flood plain on Friday. He said the blue was part of the flood plain as residents prepared.

The Town of Hawarden said it was taking precautions with rising waters and asking residents to conserve water and limit the use of wastewater. They also ask residents not to empty sump pumps into city streets or sewers.

Residents and the community are urged not to travel within the city due to flooding.

They are also asking for volunteers to help sandbag. Volunteers can come to 808 7th Street.

“We are grateful to the volunteers who helped fill sandbags and build berms on Friday. The forecast released Friday is subject to change with additional precipitation,” said Travis Waterman, Hawarden Public Works Director. “With increased precipitation in the rivers flowing into the Big Sioux River, we want to be prepared and have additional sandbags to accommodate the unprecedented river levels.”

Waterman added that they hope to have enough sandbags read by noon Saturday. Despite this, authorities will continue to monitor flood forecasts.