News

Flood waters surround a home

FEMA flood maps miss risk to millions of homes

Wednesday, July 1, 2020
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has undercounted nearly 8 million homes and businesses that face substantial risk of flooding, placing more Americans in jeopardy from coastal storms, rising rivers and flash flooding, according to a new analysis from the nonprofit First Street Foundation.
Two people ride bikes in flood water

Millions of homeowners who need flood insurance don’t know it — thanks to FEMA

Tuesday, June 30, 2020
It is FEMA’s job to warn homeowners about major flood risks, but its approach is notoriously limited. In Cook County alone, researchers found about six times as many properties in danger as FEMA estimated.
Maps comparing official FEMA estimate and independent researchers' estimates of flood risk

New data reveals hidden flood risk across America

Monday, June 29, 2020
Across much of the United States, the flood risk is far greater than government estimates show, new calculations suggest, exposing millions of people to a hidden threat — and one that will only grow as climate change worsens.
Portrait of Yusuf Sermet

Sermet selected as a recipient for the Iowa Water Center’s Research Grant Competition

Monday, June 29, 2020
The Iowa Water Center (IWC) annually administers a statewide grant competition known as the IWC Graduate Student Research Competition.
 Flood inundation maps for Lock and Dam No. 15 upstream of Davenport at a scenario-based flood stage of 26 feet.

Iowa Flood Center releases new community flood prediction maps

Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Researchers with the Iowa Flood Center at the University of Iowa are releasing new community flood maps following recent rain across the state.
Stream-monitoring sensor

Over 30 new Iowa Flood Center stream sensors installed

Friday, June 19, 2020
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) at the University of Iowa has installed over 30 new stream sensors this spring to help communities be better prepared when water levels begin to rise. The new stream sensors help fill identified flood monitoring and forecasting gaps, providing river level information for informed decision making.
 Flood inundation maps for Lock and Dam No. 15 upstream of Davenport at a scenario-based flood stage of 26 feet.

New Mississippi River flood maps

Tuesday, June 9, 2020
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) at the University of Iowa has recently developed scenario-based flood inundation maps for the Mississippi River, stretching from Lock and Dam No. 11 in Dubuque to Lock and Dam No. 19 in Keokuk.
A flooded recreation area

Missouri has plan to develop flood monitoring system

Thursday, May 14, 2020
Inspired by neighboring Iowa's flood-monitoring system, a Missouri group tasked with giving recommendations on building flood resiliency to the governor by the end of the month heard a presentation Wednesday on how the state could develop a similar system.
People in rain gear boat through floodwaters

Spring flooding and COVID-19 collide in the Midwest: Challenges and considerations for local governments

Monday, April 27, 2020
As spring flooding threatens cities across the Midwest, local government leaders on the frontlines of COVID-19 prepare for a “dual disaster” response.
A building in a flooded field

Upper Mississippi tops endangered-rivers list

Thursday, April 16, 2020
As Iowa and other states brace for more flooding this spring along the Upper Mississippi River, a new report highlights the continued threat facing the waterway.