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. 

watershed model demonstration

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.

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 & Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

Standing water on a field

City officials in Spencer, Iowa met with community members to provide clarity on this past summer’s extreme flood event

Monday, November 4, 2024
Four months after record flooding damaged hundreds of homes in Spencer, Iowa, city leaders met to offer transparency about the events that led up to the flooding. In conjunction with the Iowa Flood Center, city officials shared a full debrief of the days leading up to, and following, the flooding in June. They shared what they learned, and how they hope to prepare for future flooding.
A street is blocked off with orange signs as floodwaters cover part of it

Spencer Public Meeting on June 22nd Flood

Monday, November 4, 2024
Approximately one hundred and fifty residents of Spencer attended Tuesday night’s flood “debriefing” hosted by the city. This time representatives from the National Weather Service and Iowa Flood Center attended to talk about the unexpected magnitude of the flood.

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