Iowa Cancels Class, Orientation in Preparation for Flooding

As hundreds were evacuated because of flooding in Iowa early Friday morning, the University of Iowa canceled summer classes and freshman orientation until at least June 22, the university said. According to a UI blog set up for the flood, dozens of campus buildings have been evacuated, nonessential staff have been told to remain off-campus, and almost all summer camps and events have been canceled for the time being. Workers have been moving books in the library to higher ground, while desks, chairs, and personal effects were moved to upper floors—"anywhere staff and faculty could find room," the Daily Iowan reports.

Support staff who have been left behind have been asked to conserve energy and fresh water, turning off all unnecessary lights and using water only for drinking.

Despite sunny weather predicted for the next several days, the "worst is yet to come," writes the Press-Citizen. The Iowa River is expected to rise to the height of 33 feet by Tuesday, about 11¹/₂ feet above flood level and 3 feet higher than during the big 1993 flood.

"By the first part of next week," said the manager of a nearby reservoir, "it's going to be at levels I don't think anybody's seen."