Updated 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
I heard the campus had some flooding this spring and summer. Is the University of Iowa open and operating normally?
Yes. Although some programs and personnel were temporarily relocated as a precaution during the spring and summer, all campus operations are operating as normal.
Does that include University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics?
Yes, the UI Health Care enterprise is operating normally, including UI Hospitals and Clinics, the UI Carver College of Medicine and other clinic locations and research labs.
What about scheduled university events?
The UI School of Music canceled its three weeks of summer music camps, which were to run from June 9-28. No other event cancellations have been announced.
What did the University of Iowa do to prepare for flooding?
The University of Iowa takes the risk of flooding on campus, especially in the spring, very seriously and has enacted a plan created after the 2008 floods to do all it can to protect people, buildings, and other university assets from harm. Based on the lessons of 2008, the UI has more tools in place to prioritize and respond to needs quickly, including the Iowa Flood Information System developed by the UI’s Iowa Flood Center; a larger stock of flood barriers, pumps and other flood-fighting equipment; and better readiness processes in place. However, as with any natural disaster, floods are unpredictable and their impact is determined by weather and other factors that are beyond anyone’s control. For that reason, the UI used an abundance of caution this spring as it assessed the situation, working hard to preserve and protect the campus while minimizing disruption of the university’s operations and education mission.
Has access to, from and around campus been affected?
Access is no longer affected by the flood, now that the Iowa River receded earlier this summer. However, because of an unrelated project by the Iowa Department of Transportation, access at the Dubuque Street exit of I-80 is currently impacted. For details, including alternate routes, visit http://now.uiowa.edu/keywords/dubuque-street.
How do I find about road, bridge, sidewalk and other closures as well as traffic detours?
There are a number of available resources for travel information:
- UI Facilities Management maintains a list and map of flood-related building and parking lot closures, along with details of current UI construction activity impacting access and travel. Visit www.facilities.uiowa.edu/closures. The map can be accessed directly at maps.facilities.uiowa.edu/flexviewer/closures/.
- Iowa Department of Transportation Traveler Information: http://www.511ia.org/.You can also access travel announcements for the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area on Twitter at twitter.com/iowacity511.
Where can I get general information about the flooding in 2013?
All official University of Iowa information, photos and video related to the flooding can be found on the Iowa Now news and information site at now.uiowa.edu/keywords/flood-updates-2013.
Municipalities and other organizations in the area also are providing flood information via the Web. Click here to see links to those resources.
What flood and weather related resources are available?
- State Hygienic Lab information on well water safety after a flood
- Iowa Flood Center
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast for Iowa City
I have more questions I don’t see addressed here. Where can I go?
Email questions to uiflood-questions@uiowa.edu and someone from University Communication and Marketing will try to track down the information for you as soon as possible.