The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency for four northeastern Iowa counties and the photos and video leave no doubt why.

The Turkey River in Spillville, Iowa has never reached these levels before this morning. As you can see from the graph below, it's more than one foot over the previous record of 19.0 feet and is still climbing.

According to MPR News, widespread, life-threatening flooding is occurring in the area. MPR Meterologist Paul Huttner says Decorah had nearly 8-and-a-half inches of rain overnight and that flooding in northeast Iowa will "worsen or continue for the day." People are asked to avoid the area. If you have loved ones there, please help them monitor this very serious situation.

Our thoughts and prayers to all of our neighbors to the north today.

[via MPR News]

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