Kento Sugiyama’s interest in flooding started early. Stories of the Tohoku tsunami and the 2008 Iowa flood inspired him to apply his interest in mathematics, science, and web-based technologies to real-world challenges like these, working to make a difference for people and communities facing natural disasters.

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.

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.

Iowa farmers and residents can better prepare for severe weather because of a $500,000 federal grant that will enable the University of Iowa to install water and soil monitoring systems in 18 counties, said U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.

Rural Iowa farmers are helping climate scientists get a better understanding of soil moisture levels across the state, data only available at the local level until now. The Iowa Flood Center has erected “hydrostations” in more than 50 counties to monitor the environment.

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.

Because of budget cuts, Winneshiek County in northeast Iowa replaced a USGS river gauge with an Iowa Flood Center stream sensor. The sensor measures water levels in real time, giving Snyder the early warning he needs before a flood hits.

Iowa Flood Center affiliate Yagmur Derin’s resesarch focuses on hydrometeorology, satellite- and radar-based precipitation remote sensing, and modeling of extreme rainfall.

As a new flood season approaches, many Americans remain haunted by the last. But Iowans are fortunate — we have access to the incredible tools developed and maintained by engineers at the state-funded Iowa Flood Center.

This week marks both Weather Awareness Week in Iowa and Nebraska and Flood Awareness Month. In response, the University of Iowa has an online tool for residents to prepare for potential flooding.