News : 20.7 feet: Flood forecast inspires sand-bagging of VFD, VMEU

Sand bags and large barriers are being filled today to protect buildings from flood waters.

Craig Walker guides Gary McKenna as he dumps sand into a Hesco barrier.

Dennis Bramow creates a temporary asphalt path so the Hesco barriers can be set up level.

Scores of volunteers are helping set up barriers to protect the electrical plant and fire station.

Mark Noe shared this aerial photo of the fire station, which he took at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

An hour after the National Weather Service web site indicated that the Cedar River had crested Thursday morning at 17 feet, a revised prediction of a 19.4 foot crest by Saturday has local officials putting out the sand barriers around the fire station and the Vinton Municipal Electrical Utility (VMEU) buildings.

Later on Thursday, the NWS had increased that forecast to 20.7 feet, predicted to crest at that level at around noon on Saturday.

The brand new Hesco flood barriers -- still in their original packaging -- have been opened and set up. Volunteers, along with city crews and members of the Vinton Fire Department have been helping to set up and fill the large barriers as well as the smaller traditional sand bags

"We could use more volunteers," said Fire Chief Gary McKenna.

A notice from city coordinator Andy Lent asks volunteers to please park away from the station and walk there.

"Park on 4th Street or further south," said Len. "And please, only those above the age of 16 should volunteer. There will be heavy equipment moving around the station."

City employee Dennis Bramow made a makeshift asphalt street to cover a hole so the barriers could be set up level. McKenna manned the front end loader, filling the barriers others had set up.

See the latest National Weather Service prediction HERE.