Des Moines, Iowa – Torrential thunderstorms are drenching central and eastern Iowa tonight, raising the risk of flash flooding across more than 40 counties, with the threat extending through noon Wednesday. Emergency managers warn that roads, streams, and low-lying neighborhoods from Des Moines to Waterloo could see rapid water rises and dangerous driving conditions by morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, ongoing storms are set to become more widespread overnight, dropping 1 to 3 inches of rain across southern and central Iowa, with some spots possibly picking up 3 to 5 inches. Flood watches are in effect for key cities and highways, including US 30, I-80, and much of the Iowa River corridor. River flood watches are also in place for the Iowa River at Marshalltown and Tama, the Cedar River at Waterloo, and Black Hawk Creek at Hudson, with river levels expected to reach or exceed flood stage as early as Thursday morning.
Local impacts could be severe: travel delays on I-35 and I-80, road closures near creeks, and water over low-lying streets in Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, and Marshalltown. School districts may announce delayed starts or closures if conditions worsen. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare to move vehicles to higher ground, avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, and keep devices charged in case of power outages.
This event mirrors June’s historic flooding, with saturated ground increasing runoff risk. The most intense rain is expected overnight, with rivers continuing to rise into the weekend. Another round of advisories may follow as new rainfall totals come in.
Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday, with additional river flooding possible into Saturday and Sunday. Stay tuned to local updates and weather.gov/desmoines/water for the latest advisories.
