Iowa DNR: Don't go boating on the Mississippi River

If you were planning to head east to the Mississippi River this Fourth of July weekend, the Iowa DNR has an important announcement.  The DNR says boating is currently not being recommended on the Mississippi River along the entire eastern border of Iowa due to flooding.

High water has not only resulted in a large amount of debris in the water, but is also posing a problem with flooded cabins along the river from boat wakes.

Heavy rainfall has created a much stronger than normal current and deposited large amounts of debris into the river, creating unsafe boating conditions. Swimming, wading or entering the Mississippi River during these high river stages is highly discouraged. If you must recreate on or near the Mississippi River, ensure personal floatation devices (life jackets) are worn at all times. There is more to the dangers than the debris floating on the water that can be seen.  Much of it lies just under the surface or is mixed in with the water from what was flooded upstream.

Because of the heavy rain locally, as well as farther to the north, the projections are for the Mississippi River to continue to rise over the next several days.