MASON CITY – People were forced from their homes this morning in Mason City as heavy rains pummeled the community.
Mason City police say that due to flooding that occurred as a result of heavy rains, the Autumn Park and Chelsea Creek Apartments were evacuated earlier this morning. Both of these apartment complexes sit on South Pierce Avenue.
Currently, water levels are slowly receding on Chelsea Creek. The current forecast has the potential for significant rainfall yet today and through tomorrow. In the event of additional rain, these levels could rise again, creating flooding conditions in this area.
As such, the Mason City Police Department and Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management are asking residents of Autumn Park and Chelsea Creek Apartments to remain at emergency shelter or their current location until we are certain the threat of flooding has passed.
Emergency shelter for displaced residents is available at the Salvation Army, 747 Village Green Drive, Mason City. The shelter will remain open until the flooding threat no longer exists.
Barricades are in place on 12th Street NE between Illinois and Florida.
There is still water over the road and in some places, the shoulder has been washed away. Due to forecasted rains, it will not be possible to repair the shoulder and the road is expected to be closed for the weekend. Please use alternate routes to avoid this area.