On this episode of River to River, IPR's Western Iowa reporter Sheila Brummer gives an update on the catastrophic flooding in Northwest Iowa that has forced hundreds of people to evacuate. Then, Wiltold Krajewski, director of Iowa's Flood Center, joins the program to share how the Iowa Flood Information System helps detect potential flooding and gives communities time to prepare.

The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) provides an all-in-one resource for all Iowans to be able to see flooding data – without needing to be a meteorologist. The IFC was founded after the 2008 floods in eastern Iowa to provide more on-the-ground information for local leaders and citizens. The Iowa Flooding Informational System website collects flooding forecasts, community assistance resources, and more, all in one location that’s user-friendly.

As the Midwest begins to recover, many won’t have flood insurance, which must be purchased separately from homeowners insurance. Federal data shows that across the flooded states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, the government has only issued about 26,500 flood insurance policies combined.

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.