As persistent rains continue in Ames, city officials are keeping a close eye on areas at risk for flooding.

“The Ames airport closed at 1 [p.m.] because of water on the runways,” said Susan Gwiasda, public relations officer for the city of Ames. “People are asked to stay out of the parking lots at North and South River Valley parks and Brookside park; those both have the potential to go underwater. They will soon be barricaded.”

The committee met at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to discuss more decisions. The police and fire departments will alert any residents of flooding by going to the residence areas in risk, knocking on the doors and talking to people. If the residents are not in, they will leave a letter warning them of the possible flooding.

Gwiasda said the Red Cross has also been contacted. If the water crests higher than predicted, there could be evacuations involved.

According to a press release received at 5:25 p.m. from the city of Ames, Southeast 16th Street is closed from Dayton Road to east of Lark Avenue.