EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was first published in 2018, for the 25th anniversary of flooding.
More than 30 years ago, floods swept across Iowa from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River, destroying homes, businesses and lives. Here are some of the key events and images from the great flood of 1993.
Early signs of trouble: Heavy snow leads to flooding concerns in 1993
Concern about potential flooding began in early February 1993 after storms dumped almost 2 feet of snow in some parts of northern Iowa. Ice jams on the Raccoon River brought the year’s first floods in West Des Moines on March 5.
Record flooding was widespread along the Cedar, Des Moines and Iowa rivers as early as March 31. The high water also wreaked havoc along the Mississippi River. By early May, locks closed and millions of dollars worth of cargo was backed up on barges up and down the river. The locks would close for the second time June 25, and they wouldn’t reopen for months. The U.S. Coast Guard would order all pleasure boats off the river July 2. On July 4, the river would crest at 7 feet above flood stage — its second-highest level in 155 years.
The Coralville Lake reservoir on the Iowa River would overtop its spillway on July 2 for the first time in its 35-year history. But the most serious flooding came the following week. Here’s how it unfolded.
July 9, 1993: Hilton Coliseum floods in Ames
Floods forced thousands from their homes. Ames was inaccessible. Hilton Coliseum was under 14 feet of water, and Iowa State University canceled summer classes. Sections of Interstates 35 and 80 were temporarily closed because of water on the road.
July 10, 1993: 5,000 people forced from homes in Valley Junction
Efforts to protect Valley Junction in West Des Moines from flooding failed, forcing 5,000 people from their homes. The Court Avenue district in downtown Des Moines also was flooded.
July 11, 1993: Des Moines Water Works shut down after flooding
More than 250,000 people were without water after the flooding shut down the Des Moines Water Works. In addition, an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people were without electricity. Then-Sec Taylor Stadium, now the Iowa Cubs’ Principal Park, was underwater.
July 12, 1993: All of Iowa declaed a disaster area after flooding
The entire state was declared a disaster area.
July 14, 1993: President Bill Clinton visits Des Moines flood victims
President Bill Clinton visited Iowa and spent six hours with Des Moines flood victims.
Flooding impacts continue in summer 1993
It took until July 22 for the Des Moines Water Works to refill its system, providing customers with tap water, and even then, it wasn’t safe to drink until July 30.
The University of Iowa would cancel its summer graduation ceremonies.
Iowa transportation officials would tally the flood damage at $500 million, including 40 bridges and 60 highways.
The Mississippi River wouldn’t reopen for barge traffic until Aug. 22 — the first time the river would see activity since June 25.
Photos: More incredible flooding events in Iowa
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Photos: 3 decades later, a look back at the devastating Iowa floods of 1993
Reporting by Zach Thompson, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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