Weather
Des Moines Flood Risk: 2-4 Inches of Rain Possible
Des Moines, Iowa – Central Iowa faces a significant flash flood threat as repeated thunde…
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-09-14T11:36:03.156Z
Des Moines, Iowa – Central Iowa faces a significant flash flood threat as repeated thunderstorms could drop 2 to 4 inches of rain, especially this evening and overnight.
According to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall covers parts of central Iowa centered on the Des Moines metro. An approaching front is expected to focus repeated rounds of thunderstorms over the region.
The Weather Prediction Center says numerous flash floods are likely within the Moderate Risk area, and some could become locally significant. Urbanized areas face a particularly high threat as heavy rain repeatedly crosses the same locations.
The Moderate Risk represents at least a 40% chance of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding within 25 miles of a point. A broader Slight Risk, representing at least a 15% chance, extends across much of Iowa and into neighboring portions of Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois.
Rainfall could total 2 to 4 inches in the hardest hit areas. The greatest concern comes this evening into the overnight hours, when repeated thunderstorms could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and leave streets covered by water.
People in Des Moines and surrounding central Iowa communities should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. Drivers should never enter a flooded road, and pedestrians should also avoid attempting to cross floodwater.
The excessive rainfall threat continues through the overnight period as the front approaches and thunderstorms repeatedly move across the region. Residents in flood prone and urban areas should remain alert for flash flood warnings and be prepared to avoid flooded streets as heavy rain develops.