June Flooding in Iowa

Iowa Flood Center tools to prepare for flooding

As communities in northwest Iowa experience record flooding and others prepare for cresting river levels in the coming days, the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) has tools available to help understand and reduce flood risks. Learn about key resources available through the Iowa Flood Information System. 

IFIS Tools

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.

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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

On-road structure in Otter Creek (Fayette County)

New Tool Supports Local Flood Mitigation Efforts

Tuesday, September 3, 2024
A new tool has identified 250,000 suitable locations for on-road structures, an innovative flood mitigation practice that uses the existing roadway embankment as a temporary dam during heavily rainfall events.
hydrostation

Iowa Flood Center Installs Hydrologic Monitoring Stations Across Eastern Iowa

Monday, August 19, 2024
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) has installed 31 new hydrologic monitoring stations (hydrostations) in Eastern Iowa to better monitor and predict floods and droughts.
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Events

Iowa Water Conference promotional image

Iowa Water Conference

Tuesday, September 10 to Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (all day)
The 18th annual Iowa Water Conference will be held on Sept. 10-11, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville, Iowa. This year, the conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” Iowa’s source waters are under ever-increasing stress due to climate change, land use demands, and various contaminants. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our source waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach...
Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference promotional image

Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference

Wednesday, September 18 11:00am to Friday, September 20, 2024 5:00pm
Sioux City Convention Center
IIHR's Iowa Flood Center will have an educational exhibit at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference happening Sept. 18-20 in Sioux City, Iowa. This is great opportunity for city officials and staff to learn about tools and resources to help their communities understand and reduce their impacts to floods, as well as learn about resources available through the Iowa Flood Information System (https://ifis.iowafloodcenter.org/ifis/).
Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference promotional image

Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 8:00am to 4:30pm
Drake University Campus
The Iowa Environmental Council's annual conference is returning this fall! The conference features a daylong educational and networking event for Iowans to learn and engage on issues ranging from water quality, renewable energy, environmental justice, federal funding opportunities, and more. IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering will have an educational exhibit during the event to share new projects and resources available to support water resources management efforts across the state.
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