River Junction Access is closed until further notice. Staff closed the road on Wednesday evening based on forecast river levels, and it will remain closed until the river levels recede below flood stage and the site can be assessed for damage. The confluence of the Iowa and English Rivers below River Junction significantly affects flood levels there.

The National Weather Service of the Quad Cities has issued flood warnings for local areas with recent heavy rain and thunderstorms. The warning includes the English River at Kalona affecting Washington and Johnson Counties, and the Iowa River near Lone Tree affecting Louisa, Washington, and Johnson Counties. The warning states that several rounds of heavy rainfall will produce flooding on several tributary rivers. 

Do not enter floodwaters in a vehicle or on foot. The NWS has coined the phrase “Turn around, don’t drown.” As little as 12-18 inches of water can wash away your vehicle, and it is hard to tell if the roadway beneath the water is intact. Just six inches can sweep a person off of their feet. 

Continue to monitor the Johnson County webpage and JoCo Ready for additional flood details and closures.  JoCo Ready is a free mobile app launched by the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency to provide residents with real-time public safety and emergency information, available on Google Play and the App Store. County officials will continue to monitor river levels and will provide updates as necessary.