Serving Iowans

The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa’s decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public. IFC researchers, staff, and students strive to develop the most innovative tools and reliable information to improve Iowa’s flood preparedness and resiliency. 

stream sensor in action

Flood Monitoring

Nearly 300 stream-stage sensors designed, built, and deployed by IFC measure river levels every 15 minutes, improving flood monitoring and forecasting. Hydrologic weather stations improve flood- and drought- prediction capabilities.

flood inundation maps for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Flood Mapping

High-resolution statewide flood maps for every Iowa stream, along with scenario-based flood inundation maps, keep individuals and communities safe and informed—protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. 

farm pond

Flood Mitigation

IFC staff and researchers provide leadership and technical expertise that supports collaborations with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement watershed-based strategies to mitigate flood damage and increase resilience. 

An outreach event at the LACMRERS facility, as students look at a watershed model located outside by the river

Education and Outreach

The IFC participates in dozens of outreach activities each year and is dedicated to ensuring its resources are easily accessible and tailored for diverse audiences. IFC support for undergrad and grad students is developing Iowa’s future workforce. 

Iowa Flood Information System

IFIS is a free, Google Maps-based web platform that communicates real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions for the entire state of Iowa.

View IFIS

Research Spotlight

News Spotlight

Satellite map view of the storm that stalled over the Texas Hill Country and dumped catastrophic rainfall

One Year After the Texas Hill Country Flood: A Case Study

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
On July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River basin received 5 to 11 inches of rain in just a few hours. The river rose 37 feet in 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, cars, businesses, and cabins, leaving behind a ravaged landscape and taking 139 lives. Iowa Flood Center researchers are taking on the challenge of providing accurate, timely flash flood forecasts that can save lives.
Flood water covers a road with gray skies overhead and green leafy trees on either side.

In a Small Iowa Town, a Solution to a National Crisis

Friday, May 1, 2026
The New York Times
As a new flood season approaches, many Americans remain haunted by the last. But Iowans are fortunate — we have access to the incredible tools developed and maintained by engineers at the state-funded Iowa Flood Center.
Sam Hermite

“Iowa really knows … They’ve modeled and mapped the state, they have great data and visualization tools, and they have really effective outreach and communication. To really have a complete flood approach, you have to do all of those things.”

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science and Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

hydro station

UI snags $500K to help Iowa better prepare for extreme weather

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Des Moines Register
Iowa farmers and residents can better prepare for severe weather because of a $500,000 federal grant that will enable the University of Iowa to install water and soil monitoring systems in 18 counties, said U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.
A hydrostation in a green field, with stormy clouds above

Iowa hydrostations measure statewide soil moisture, help scientists

Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Public News Service
Rural Iowa farmers are helping climate scientists get a better understanding of soil moisture levels across the state, data only available at the local level until now. The Iowa Flood Center has erected “hydrostations” in more than 50 counties to monitor the environment.
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Events

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair promotional image

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair

Sunday, August 30, 2026 11:30am to 3:30pm
Waterfront Convention Center

Join us for the Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair!

The Emergency Resource Fair is a free, family-friendly event focused on emergency and disaster preparedness and safety. Attendees can expect kids activities, hands-only CPR training, a virtual reality simulator, information of preparedness resources, giveaways, and more!

We hope to see you there!

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