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.
Tall grass in the foreground, with a group of people and a cornfield in the background. Two black and gold University of Iowa tents offer shelter, and a hydrostation is in the very back

Iowa Flood Center Receives Congressional Honor at Southwest Iowa Hydrostation Installation

Thursday, August 20, 2026
On August 7 at a Polk County farm where a new hydrologic weather station had just been installed, U.S. Representative Zach Nunn presented Larry Weber with a congressional challenge coin in recognition of exceptional service and achievements.
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

A bridge sensor is pictured from the side on a bridge in Iowa City, with the highway in the background

North Dakota Seeks Iowa Flood Center’s Expertise in Stream Monitoring Network

Friday, August 21, 2026
The IFC has been at the forefront of hydrologic monitoring innovation in Iowa since its founding in 2009, operating one of the country’s most extensive flood monitoring networks. Drawing on this expertise, IFC researchers are helping North Dakota develop a hydrologic monitoring network modeled after Iowa’s own system, laying the groundwork for improved flood awareness and response.
Tall grass in the foreground, with a group of people and a cornfield in the background. Two black and gold University of Iowa tents offer shelter, and a hydrostation is in the very back

Iowa Flood Center Receives Congressional Honor at Southwest Iowa Hydrostation Installation

Thursday, August 20, 2026
On August 7 at a Polk County farm where a new hydrologic weather station had just been installed, U.S. Representative Zach Nunn presented Larry Weber with a congressional challenge coin in recognition of exceptional service and achievements.
More news

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!

View more events