Iowa reopens northbound I-35 after flood closures between Ankeny and Elkhart

Heavy rain in central Iowa produced 6 to 8 inches of precipitation in parts of Ankeny, northern Polk County and southern Story County, prompting the Iowa Department of Transportation to close northbound lanes of Interstate 35 between Ankeny and Elkhart on Friday morning. The closure forced drivers onto a detour that routes west on NE 36th Street in Ankeny, north on NE 14th Street/NE Ankeny Boulevard, and east on NE 126th back to I-35.

Local reports indicated basement flooding up to four feet deep in some homes, as well as flooded streets and lawns in the Elkhart area. Power outages were also reported, raising concerns about additional water damage. Rivers and creeks, including Fourmile Creek, were expected to swell, with Fourmile Creek reaching flood stage and projected to crest around 9 a.m.

At 8:45 a.m., authorities announced that northbound I-35 had been reopened after water levels receded. Drivers were advised to remain vigilant for possible lingering hazards and to follow the posted detour routes.

Separately, the Iowa DOT reported two semi-truck incidents on Interstate 80: a jackknifed truck near Waukee and another crash near Adair, each causing lane blockages and slower traffic.