The National Weather Service has upgraded its flood warning for Delano, increasing the flood projection level from 19.5 feet to 20.5 feet with a crest projected on Saturday.  There is some level of uncertainty with this flood projection, as the models vary and could still change.  But, as we discussed, the critical factor for River Street comes with water levels around 20.5 to 21 feet. 

As a result, we’re putting into motion the “Phase 2” of our flood prevention plan.  That involves the construction of a temporary barrier along the west side of River Street.  As a result, we will be posting the west side of River Street as “NO PARKING”, starting this afternoon and continuing likely through the weekend.  City crews will begin installing concrete barriers today south of Bridge Avenue along the west side of River Street.  During this construction process, River Street will be closed between Bridge Avenue and Railroad Avenue in order to provide a safe working environment for all.  

On Friday, the City will begin work on a temporary levee north of Bridge Avenue, between the Bridge Avenue intersection and the Granite Works Building.  The levee will be constructed on the sidewalk and not in the roadway, but the roadway (River Street) will be closed during the construction process.  It will reopen once construction work is complete.  No parking along the west side of River will continue while the temporary levee is in place. 

Only once in the last 50 years has the City endured river levels at 20.5 feet and that was during the significant flood of 1965 when water levels reached over 23 feet.  In 1969, currently the second-highest flood in the past 50 years, river levels reached 20.45 feet.  In 2001, river levels topped at 19.95 feet.  The City believes the temporary levee on River Street will provide necessary protection if the 20.5 river level or greater is reached.

If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 763-972-0550 or visit the City’s website for further information.