News : Flood update: River crest of 20.8 feet expected Saturday evening

Volunteers are still needed for sandbagging around the Vinton Fire Station and the VMEU facilities along Second Street near the Cedar River.

The most recent prediction from the National Weather Service has the Cedar River cresting at 20.8 feet at 7 p.m. Saturday.

But Benton County EMA Director Scott Hansen said the river will rise up to 3 more feet today, based on the increase in reported water levels in Waterloo and other places north of Vinton.

At 20.7, the houses in the area which were flooded first are likely to see water again, said Hansen. The city has contacted several residents about the impending flood; some report that the gas lines to their homes has been shut off.

Several AmeriCorps members are helping to finish the Hesco flood barriers around the fire station and electrical utility buildings. City Coordinator Andy Lent has called for more volunteers already Friday morning.