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.

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

Larry Weber

Iowa professor tells lawmakers artificial intelligence might help track flooding in WV

Thursday, December 11, 2025
On Tuesday, Dr. Larry Weber made a presentation to the Committee of Flooding of the West Virginia Legislature titled, “Artificial Intelligence and Its Use in Flood/Stream Monitoring.”
Bridge

Lawmakers Look At Cost Of Recovery And Prevention After Deadly Floods

Thursday, December 11, 2025
Lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding learned Tuesday the state has distributed close to $90 million for recovery efforts after February flooding in southern counties.

Events

Iowa Flood Center & Iowa Geological Survey Legislative Breakfast promotional image

Iowa Flood Center & Iowa Geological Survey Legislative Breakfast

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 7:00am to 9:00am
Iowa State Capitol

Thanks to the leadership and foresight of the Iowa Legislature, Iowans have access to reliable tools and resources through the collaborative efforts of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) and Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) to enhance decision-making for floods, droughts, and groundwater challenges that impact our state.

IFC and IGS students, staff, and researchers will host their annual legislative breakfast reception on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Iowa State Capitol Building in the first...

West Liberty Science Night promotional image

West Liberty Science Night

Thursday, April 2, 2026 5:30pm to 7:30pm
West Liberty Elementary School

K-4 children and parents are invited to the West Liberty Science Night on Thursday, April 2nd!

Join us for a fun-filled night of interactive science demonstrations and activities provided by various organizations, including IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering and the Iowa Flood Center.

We hope to see you there!

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