At high noon on Friday, June 13, 2008, the Cedar River crested at more than twice the flood stage. It has been established that Cedar Rapids experienced more than $6,000,000,000 of damages to housing, city and business infrastructure, making this the 5th largest disaster in U.S. history.
The river rose very quickly. The water increased from the flood stage (12 feet) to the crest (31 feet) in only three days. In the 24 hours before the crest, the level rose 11 feet, which caught the city very off guard.
The river dropped quickly back to flood stage in only eight days.
Flood Magnitude:
- 31.12 feet - Crest of Cedar River, more than twice the flood stage
- More than 10 square miles (14 percent) of the City, 1,126 city blocks impacted
- 5,390 homes impacted, 18,000+ residents dislocated, 310 city facilities damaged
Affected Businesses:
- 943 Businesses with Overland Water (757 at ground level & 186 upper floor)
- 81 Businesses fringe to flood area (power/steam loss, sewer back-up, etc.)
- 173 businesses closed
- More than 2,500 jobs were lost
The following videos convey the breadth and depth of the devastation.
A business grassroots organization was created within days of the crest. The Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery Group produced this video which featured business owners’ stories and Kurt Warner, star NFL quarterback whose mother is a flooded business owner.
View the video
There are a number of videos at this link including “The Cedar Rapids Flood Story”
View the video
Zach Johnson, PGA Tour Professional and 2007 Masters Champion, has parents who own a flood affected business. In these two videos he, gave his thanks and encouragement to the people of Cedar Rapids.
Zach teams up with the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber and other community leaders to create a flood recovery thank you on December 16, 2009
View the video
“Three Days in June” narrated by Zach
View the video
View photos from the 2008 Flood 