CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Central and eastern Iowa could face a significant flood threat this weekend as rounds of slow-moving thunderstorms bring the potential for up to 8 inches of rain from Saturday into Sunday. The National Weather Service says both urban areas and rural farmland will be at risk, particularly in counties east of Interstate 35 and along the Cedar and Iowa rivers.
According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, storms will develop Saturday afternoon and intensify overnight, with rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour. Widespread totals of 4 to 6 inches are likely, but areas from Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids to Iowa City and Davenport could push toward 8 inches before the system moves east.
With soils already saturated, flash flooding could develop quickly, especially in low-lying neighborhoods, farm fields, and along smaller rivers such as the Wapsipinicon and Skunk. Road closures are possible, and rural gravel routes could wash out under repeated heavy rain.
Travel hazards may emerge along Interstate 80, U.S. Route 30, and Iowa Highway 1, where water over the roadway can form with little warning. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads, monitor weather alerts overnight, and keep emergency supplies ready in case evacuations are needed.
The most intense rainfall is expected late Saturday through midday Sunday, with gradual improvement late in the day. However, forecasters caution that elevated river levels could linger into early next week, prolonging flood concerns for parts of central and eastern Iowa.
