Des Moines, Iowa – Heavy rain across central and northern Iowa is pushing several rivers toward flood stage, prompting urgent Flood Watches from the National Weather Service that run through the weekend. Rising water levels could impact Fort Dodge, Perry, Algona, Waterloo, and rural communities along the Des Moines, North Raccoon, and Cedar Rivers, threatening homes, businesses, and travel routes.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, the Des Moines River at Fort Dodge could reach flood stage by early Friday afternoon, with water threatening lowland homes and roads until at least Sunday morning. The West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt and East Fork near Algona are also under extended watches, with some rural highways and trails likely to see water by Thursday night and Friday morning.
In Dallas County, the North Raccoon River near Perry is expected to crest above 15 feet by Friday morning, potentially flooding the city’s wastewater treatment plant, as well as fairgrounds and local roads near Adel. Waterloo faces a flood watch on the Cedar River from late Friday night into Saturday; closed sewers and levee gates could disrupt local infrastructure if water exceeds 13 feet.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel, especially in flood-prone areas, and keep devices charged in case of power outages. Emergency managers urge monitoring local alerts and moving vehicles or valuables out of low-lying zones.
Flood Watches are set to expire between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, but further advisories may be issued as new rainfall is forecast. Stay updated at weather.gov/desmoines/water.
