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Cedar River Recedes, Forecasted To Drop Below Flood Stage

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) -- Authorities say the Cedar River in Iowa is slowly receding from its crest in Cedar Rapids, and a new forecast says the water level will drop below flood stage sooner than expected.

City spokeswoman Sara Baughman (BAHF'-muhn) said Wednesday that the city's temporary flood protection system is still doing its job holding back the swollen river. She says pumps have been handling the storm sewer backup and water that has seeped through barriers.

National Weather Service data show the river has dropped to 21.19 feet as of 7 a.m. Wednesday from Tuesday morning's crest of just under 22 feet. The service also says the river is expected to be back under flood stage of 12 feet on Sunday, a day earlier than previously forecast.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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