After the very 2015-like significant rainfall that we had last night that triggered flash flooding across much of central Iowa, another round of heavy rainfall is on tap for the same areas. The National Weather Service has a Flash Flood Watch for much of central and southern Iowa from 7:00 p.m. tonight through 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning for this reason. Rainfall rates of 1-2″ per hour can be anticipated in these areas with totals ranging from 2-4″ with localized 6+” totals are possible. Soils are already very saturated with recent days rain, and adding on to this will easily create flash flooding. This is especially a concern for low-lying areas along small streams and creeks.
An Areal Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:00 a.m. this evening for northern Guthrie, southeastern Carroll, Greene, northern Audubon, Boone, and northern Dallas counties. Guthrie County Emergency Management reported this morning that widespread flooding was occurring across the warned area. Highway 141 west of Bagley and Quail Road north and south of Highway 141 remains closed, as well as 165th street through Springbrook State Park and numerous gravel roads. 6-7″ of rainfall fell over this area overnight… with more rainfall anticipated tonight.
A River Flood Warning is in effect for the North Raccoon River near Perry, or from the Greene-Dallas County Line to Adel until late Wednesday. The stage at 10:15 a.m. this morning was 15.1′, or 0.1′ above flood stage. The stage is expected to rise to 15.4′ (0.9′ above flood stage) this evening before a second round of rain pushes the river up to 15.9′ Wednesday morning. It should recede by the evening hours Wednesday. At 16′, 180th Lane West of Minburn is affected by flood waters.
River flooding is also being monitored along the Chariton River in Chariton, Raccoon River near Van Meter, and Raccoon River at Des Moines (Fleur Drive),
Flash flooding is a very serious situation. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of flash flooding in the next 12-24 hours. You should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take appropriate actions should warnings be issued.