Recent heavy rains may put a damper on camping activities in parts of Iowa this Memorial Day weekend. Mick Klemesrud of the Iowa DNR says, "You’re going to want to keep your eyes on the forecast and be prepared for rain, and if you’re on a campground that has a river or stream, you’ll want to watch for fast rising water." Klemesrud says there are some bodies of water in particular that could be dangerous.
"In western Iowa, around Guthrie Center, I guess they had close to 7 inches of rain and they’re going to see a spike in the Raccoon River and downstream from that," Klemesrud adds, "so Lake Red Rock’s going to have an increase and all the way back up stream." Klemesrud says it’s probably a good idea to avoid boating on Iowa rivers, at least for now.
Klemesrud says, "Because rivers are very much a changing system, a lot of debris can be shifted around there…downed trees can be washed into the river and it can change and hide other obstacles, so it might be a good idea to take a break from the river activities and wait until they come down to normal flows." Klemesrud says rising waters are also closing some Iowa beaches and trail systems, plus boat ramps on lakes.Posted for 1 P.M. Friday