Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa — Thunderstorms erupted early Friday bringing heavy rain across Iowa and street flooding in Cedar Falls.
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported cars were partially submerged along several streets, especially near the University of Northern Iowa campus.
About a dozen people had to be rescued from several cars when they became stranded on city streets because of the rising water.
Fire Chief Steve Mitchell said the rescues happened between 3 a.m and 5 a.m. near the UNI-Dome.
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The biggest problem was with Dry Run Creek, which runs through the middle of town. Heavy rain pushed it out of its banks in several low spots.
"Until the rain slows and the drainage system can catch up, we’re just chasing our tails basically," said Brian Heath, operations maintenance manager for the city’s public works department.
He estimates the city had received 4-5 inches of rain since late Thursday, and it was still coming down Friday morning.
