News : Flood update Saturday, 9:00 a.m.

    The City of Vinton and Benton County are working closely together to prepare for the impending flood water. Volunteers are being utilized to assist in preparations and other resources are being deployed or placed on standby in the event they are needed.   The Cedar River flood stage at Vinton is 15 feet. The 2008 Flood reached a level of 24.7 feet. The updated river forecast from the National Weather Service at 5:11 a. m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016 still indicates an anticipated river level of 23.1 feet. The Cedar River is expected to crest at Vinton approximately between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2016, with a gradual decrease to below 17 feet at approximately 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Residents are encouraged to monitor the forecasts all weekend as these predictions may change depending on additional rainfall.   In Vinton, affected areas may include but may not be limited to the following:

• Areas along or immediately north of E. 2nd Street between 2nd Avenue and 7th Ave,
• Area around the intersection of E. 3^rdStreet and 3^rdAve,
• Area north of W. 3rd St between G Ave and 1st Ave,
• Areas along W. 5th Street between H Ave and J Ave and H Ave between W. 4th St and W. 5th St.

  Volunteers are urgently needed to help sandbag. All volunteers are to report to the sandbagging location north of the Benton County Sheriff's Office.   Sandbags are available to the general public and may be picked up at the empty lot on W. 4th Street across from the North Benton Ambulance garage.   Highway 150 approaching and entering Vinton is still open at this time but travelers should be aware that it may be closed north of Vinton and at the Cedar River Bridge by the Iowa Department of Transportation as water levels rise. Any such closure will be communicated to the media by Benton County Emergency Management and/or the DOT to assist in notifying the public.   There will be limited access and services at the Benton County Courthouse on Monday, September 26, 2016 due to the anticipated water levels.Citizens with business at the courthouse on Monday or Tuesday should call the appropriate county office first.   The City of Vinton has made significant improvements to its infrastructure since the 2008 Flood and there are not any issues currently expected regarding electrical or water service or quality. However, citizens are asked to be mindful of the amount of water they direct down drains into the wastewater system due to the additional pressure and workload placed on the system by the floodwater.