How quickly (or slowly) does water recede after a flood crest?

Question

I live in Cedar Rapids, IA, where there is major flooding going on. The Cedar River is set to crest tomorrow morning at 32 feet. Currently (9:00 pm, central standard time), the river is at 30 feet. The flood stage is 12 feet. I'm curious how quickly the water will recede? Obviously, because this is major flooding, I know it will take a while. But I am curious at what rate flood waters like this will recede. The local news isn't saying. The only info I have it what I listed here.

Answer 1

Well as you can most likely tell by now, everyone, including KCRG and KWWL are surprised about how fast the waters going down. If you know Mr.Beans in downtown Cedar Rapids, the owners daughter is one of my best friends, they don't have flood insurance, and basically the whole place is destroyed. My friend and her parents might not want to even see the building now that the water is receding...

Answer 2

I would like to know as well, living in central WI.  I heard reporters saying it might take up to 2 weeks before us midwesterners find any "relief".

Answer 3

Pray you don't get any more rain. That will determine how fast it recedes.

Answer 4

The news now is saying by (next) friday the level will be way down. Probably not all the way down but maybe most of the way. This is really scary, I am sitting here glued to the TV watching the local news. The Cedar Rapids we all love is under water and it is very sad

Answer 5

It depends on whether or not it continues to rain.  The National Weather Service issues forecast for river levels.  This link is the forecast for the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph...  

Looks like they're not forecasting the River to drop back below 20ft, which is still above flood stage, until Wednesday of next week.