Thousands Flee Iowa under Threat of Record Flooding

Residents in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are facing the threat of dangerous flooding as the Cedar River is expected to crest at 23 feet Tuesday.

More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from homes and businesses.

"We have pretty much all of our essential things," resident Sydney Lane said. "Pretty much all of our clothes are with us, so we have her bed. Our bed's still upstairs so whatever. That's fine."

City officials urged residents to evacuate their homes last weekend as flood waters began to spill over from the swollen Cedar River, which reached 20 feet Monday. 

City employees and volunteers have tried to mitigate damage from flooding, and warned that people were still under significant risk if they did not abandon areas near the swollen river.

Officials in Cedar Rapids are taking the flood threat seriously after major floods in 2008 causes millions of dollars in damage after the river crested over 31 feet.  More than 500 city blocks were damaged in that flood.

"In '08 we spent the day moving things from 3 feet up to 5 feet and then 8 feet. We needed 10 feet so now we have many more volunteers," said one volunteer.  

Hundreds of volunteers are working to install barriers and sandbags on both sides of the river ahead of more flooding.