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.

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

Kate Giannini

Manchester holds coalition kickoff

Thursday, November 21, 2024
As part of a pilot program, the City of Manchester held a kickoff meeting to discuss steps that will be taken to reduce flooding. The city, in collaboration with the American Flood Coalition, Iowa Flood Center and East Central Intergovernmental Association, held a meeting in the Community Center at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Oct. 13 to talk about how they are actively working to reduce flood risks for residents, businesses and public infrastructure.
Spencer, Iowa community meeting

City officials in Spencer, Iowa met with community members to provide clarity on this past summer’s extreme flood event

Monday, November 4, 2024
Four months after record flooding damaged hundreds of homes in Spencer, Iowa, city leaders met to offer transparency about the events that led up to the flooding. In conjunction with the Iowa Flood Center, city officials shared a full debrief of the days leading up to, and following, the flooding in June. They shared what they learned, and how they hope to prepare for future flooding.

Events

IFC Legislative Breakfast promotional image

IFC Legislative Breakfast

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 7:00am to 9:00am
Iowa State Capital Building
The Iowa Flood Center and Iowa Geological Survey students, staff, and researchers will host their annual legislative breakfast reception on Tuesday, March 11 from 7-9 a.m. at the Iowa State Capitol building in the first-floor rotunda. Legislators and partners are invited to attend a light breakfast and visit with IFC and IGS experts about innovative projects providing a direct benefit to help Iowans understand their water resource challenges.
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