PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (IA) Heavy Rains and Flooding Continue in Iowa

Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 09:35:21 EDT

Summary: USGS Crews from the Iowa Water Science Center respond to flooding throughout Iowa – May 28, 2013.

Flood watches and warning remain in effect for most of Iowa. Widespread precipitation amounts of more than 4 inches have fallen in most of Iowa since Saturday, with some areas getting up to 8 inches (http://water.weather.gov/precip/). Rain is forecasted for several more days with three to six inches additional precipitation expected (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/). 25 USGS streamgages in Iowa are currently above the National Weather Service (NWS) flood stage (http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/new/index.php?id=ww_flood). Two long-term streamgages (more than 40 years of record) observed peak-of-record streamflows: 05453000 Big Bear Creek near Ladora, IA and 06600100 Floyd River at Alton, IA. Seven streamgages were visited by USGS crews to make discharge measurements since Saturday in response to the flooding. Three stage-discharge ratings have been extended based on the new flood measurements. Seven USGS crews (a total of 13 staff members) from all three of the Iowa Water Science Center field offices are deployed statewide today to make discharge measurements and ensure streamgages are functioning properly. Frequent communication is being made with the NWS and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding new flood information.

Many rivers continue to rise in response to recent rain events. More information regarding current stage and streamflow are available on the USGS Real-time streamflow page at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt.

Iowa Real-Time Streamflow Table
Iowa Real-Time Flood Map


Sub-Region: Midwest; Region: Central United States