University of Iowa officials say they’re keeping a close eye on current forecasts for potentially heavy rain over the weekend and next week, but for now they say current flood protection measures are working as intended.

Meanwhile, the UI Division of Performing Arts announced Thursday that the Iowa Summer Rep will perform this summer, but with a modified schedule and alternate locations after the threat of flooding closed the Theatre Building last week ( click here for details). The only other programs directly impacted by the flooding so far are three music camps that were canceled by the UI School of Music last week ( click here for details).

Less than a quarter inch of rain fell over the Iowa River basin Wednesday night, and a similar amount may fall Thursday. Clear skies are forecast for Friday and Saturday, but a storm system may visit the area over the weekend and bring heavier rains. Storms are also forecast next week, but this far out officials say it’s too soon to know how much precipitation they’ll deliver.

The floodgate at Coralville Lake is now wide open, with an outflow of 18,200 cubic feet per second. The lake level is now 708.27 feet, down from 708.44 feet. The dam tops out at 712 feet.

Rocky Shore Drive is still open, according to the City of Iowa City.

UI Police continue to remind the public to stay away from flood-protected areas and equipment, including HESCO barriers, sandbag walls, pumps, and closed buildings (right now Mayflower Residence Hall, Art Building West, the Museum of Art building and Theatre Building), streets (primarily North Dubuque Street), walkways and pedestrian bridges. In the interest of personal safety, people should also stay away from the Iowa River, whose current is fast and can carry debris that can cause injury or death. Anyone who sees people other than work crews and public safety officials in protected areas should contact UI Police at 319-335-5022.

For ongoing updates, University of Iowa Communication and Marketing (UCM) has established an Iowa Now hub for the latest information about flood preparations at now.uiowa.edu/keywords/flood-updates-2013, and flood-related FAQs can be found here. Additionally, UCM is providing information via Twitter (hashtag #UIFloodUpdates).

Questions about flood preparations and related issues may be directed via email to uiflood-questions@uiowa.edu. A member of the UCM staff will try to track down answers as soon as possible or refer queries to appropriate sources.