I-Cubs Face Flood: Iowa Time Machine June 14, 2008

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On June 14, 2008, the Iowa Cubs hosted the Nashville Sounds at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines in front of a paid attendance of 0. As rivers across the state rose, devastating many communities, the I-Cubs ultimately beat Nashville 5-4 as Des Moines issued an evacuation order.

A wet fall and winter throughout much of the state led to oversaturated soil and prime flood conditions by early June of 2008. In the northeastern portion of the state, observers noted soil saturation reaching 125% before a record-setting rainy start to June. Rains continued to fall on June 12 and 13, leading officials throughout the state to take safety precautions.

The Cedar River peaked at over 31’ in Cedar Rapids on June 13, and massive flooding also took place on the Upper Iowa, Turkey, Maquoketa, Wapsipinicon, and Iowa rivers. In some places, high water marks exceeded even the Great Flood of 1993. Evacuation orders sent Iowans scurrying for safety, and citizens in Des Moines hoped improvements during the previous decade’s monumental flood, including a new levee around the water and sewage treatment plans, would hold.

Similar to the stereotypical Iowan meandering outside in response to tornado sirens blaring, the Iowa Cubs gained permission from city officials to play nine, provided they agreed not to let fans in. Two scouts attended, sitting directly behind home plate. Otherwise, the park stood empty save for the two teams slugging it out alongside the raging Des Moines River. #Iowa #OTD #History #Weather #Flood