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 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.
Iowa Geological Survey Field Trip promotional image

Iowa Geological Survey Field Trip

Saturday, September 28, 2024 9:00am to 4:00pm
Explore the Lower Cedar River region with researchers from the Iowa Geological Survey and IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. On this day trip, we will explain how the modern river landscape and local groundwater supplies were influenced by multiple glaciations over half a million years and interactions with local bedrock topography. Join us on this tour of the Muscatine County area on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Participants will meet at Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve. Transportation to each site and lunch will be provided.
2024 Joint MNAFPM-IFSMA Conference promotional image

2024 Joint MNAFPM-IFSMA Conference

Wednesday, November 13 to Friday, November 15, 2024 (all day)
Holiday Inn Austin
The 2024 annual conference will be a joint conference with the Minnesota Association of Floodplain Managers, to be held Nov. 13-15 in Austin, Minnesota. Conference attendees consist of federal, state and local government officials, planners, engineers, consultants, researchers, educators, watershed organizations, realtors, appraisers, and insurance agents.
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