The mayor of a north-central Iowa community has issued a disaster declaration due to flooding that’s brought evacuations and damage to homes and public property. Webster City Mayor Janet Adams made the announcement Monday afternoon.

“We’re doing that so that in case there are FEMA funds available, we would be eligible for those,” Adams explained. The flooding Boone River has forced some residents to evacuate their homes and stay with friends or at local motels.

The Fuller Hall recreation area remains open to those residents who are in need of shelter. Webster City got nearly four-and-a-half inches of rain last weekend. The river’s levels are dropping and dry weather is in the forecast.

By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City