Seepage found at levee protecting Des Moines, Iowa, neighborhood; no evacuation planned

Seepage found at levee guarding part of Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Authorities say they found a small leak in a vulnerable levee near downtown Des Moines, Iowa, but that the neighborhood it is helping protect from flooding is not in imminent danger.

City Public Works Director Bill Stowe says authorities have not ordered residents to evacuate the Birdland neighborhood.

He says seepage was discovered Thursday night but it does not mean the levee has been breached by the rising Des Moines River.

Stowe says officials will closely to monitor the situation overnight.

Stowe says even if the levee breaks a temporary berm behind it would contain any flood water.

The river has been rising in recent days after weeks of heavy rain. It is expected to crest Friday morning.