Expansion of River Forecast Services Began on the Cedar River on January 15

The National Weather Service (NWS) in the Quad Cities implemented the change to begin providing river forecast and warning services for two locations on the Cedar River in east central Iowa on January 15, 2019. These locations included:

The Cedar River at Palo, IA on the Blairs Ferry Road bridge

The Cedar River at Cedar Bluff, IA on the County Highway F28 bridge

The National Weather Service will provide river forecasts and statements, and watches and warnings as needed during times of high water for these two locations. These forecasts will be based upon observations provided at these gaging locations, which are operated and maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Key stages have been identified for each locations as detailed below:

Cedar River at Palo, IA

Action Stage: 11.0 ft
Flood Stage (Minor Flood Stage): 12.5 ft
Moderate Flood Stage: 15.5 ft
Major Flood Stage: 17.0 ft

Cedar River at Cedar Bluff, IA

Action Stage: 12.0 ft
Flood Stage (Minor Flood Stage): 16.0 ft
Moderate Flood Stage: 20.0 ft
Major Flood Stage: 26.0 ft

Real-time observational data will continue to be displayed for these locations on the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) webpage. Forecasts will be issued when the river level has reached, or is expected to reach or exceed the defined Action Stage. Watches and Warnings will be issued when the forecast is expected to reach or exceed the defined Flood Stage.

Cedar River at Palo	Cedar River at Cedar Bluff

Forecasts routinely incorporate 24 hours of forecast rainfall from April 1 through September 30, and 48 hours of forecast rainfall from October 1 through March 31.

The latest river stage and forecast information for these and other locations can be obtained from a variety of sources. These sources include:

NWS Quad Cities Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
NWS Quad Cities webpage
NWS Daily River and Lake Summary, Flood Watches, Flood Warnings, and Flood Statements
NOAA All Hazards Weather Radios (WXL61, broadcasting from Cedar Rapids, on 162.475 MHz)

Official Service Change Notice

Any questions or comments regarding these new services can be addressed to Jessica Brooks at the Quad Cities National Weather Service Forecast Office at 563-391-7094, or by email at jessica.brooks@noaa.gov.