NE Iowa Businesses Welcome Reduced Flood Chances

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Local businesses in Dubuque that rely on the Mississippi River are pleased that there appears to be a reduced chance of flooding this year.

Flooding last spring caused some owners to halt business during tourism season until late May.

The National Weather Service showed river levels in the city at 10.23 feet Monday, which is well below the flood stage of 17 feet. The forecasts cite low snowfall levels and a lack of spring rainfall in Minnesota and Wisconsin for factors in keeping flood risks low.

The Dubuque public works director said it's uncommon for the chance of flooding to be this low, especially since the city has seen a significant amount of flooding over the last 20 years.

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