Des Moines, Iowa – Heavy rain sweeping across Iowa this weekend is pushing rivers toward dangerous levels, with the National Weather Service keeping a Flood Watch in effect through Monday afternoon for much of the southern, central, and eastern parts of the state. The heaviest concern centers on the Des Moines River near Ottumwa, where water levels could approach flood stage between Sunday evening and late Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, rainfall rates may reach 2 to 3 inches per hour in some areas overnight, with isolated totals topping 5 inches. That could trigger flash flooding in low-lying and urban spots, swamp poor-drainage neighborhoods, and push creeks and streams over their banks.
Communities including Ottumwa, Ames, Marshalltown, Oskaloosa, Des Moines, and Waterloo should prepare for rapidly changing water conditions. Low-water crossings, rural roads, and some farmland could be inundated. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roads and to monitor river gauges and local alerts.
The Flood Watch remains in place until Monday afternoon, with more advisories possible if rainfall persists into early next week.
