SE Iowa City Streets Briefly Flooded During Heavy Rain 5/8/19

We didn't have a canoe in the street like in 1993, but heavy rain yesterday around 4:20 p.m. forced me to take detours on my way home from Ace Hardware store on Mall Drive. As I left Ace, Mall Drive had waves like a river. I'd never seen anything like it! I drove east to the daycare parking lot before venturing out slowly into Mall Drive. Fortunately, I have a 2018 Suburu Forester SUV.

Unfortunately, a few other drivers panicked, drove erratically, and others were briefly swamped in their vehicles. A quick trip to mail a package turned into a risky business.

"Drive safely," my husband said to me as I left, looking at the downpour outside.

"I'm just going to Ace Hardware," I said, not understanding his concern.

Southeast Iowa City where we live is a drained swamp. Mr. and Mrs. Duck have visited us frequently since Lake Conzemius briefly formed in our backyard, drained into Dover Street between lots, and dwindled into Conzemius Pond. The Duck family naturally assume that a swamp is reforming in our neighborhood.

The flood of 1993 revealed a dearth of sewer drains to take away excess water during wet springs and summers. More sewer drains were installed, but not enough. When it rains hard for extended periods of time, I predict problems.