Des Moines, Iowa – Residents in Des Moines face an elevated risk of flooding through early Sunday as both the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers are forecast to crest by Friday, threatening low-lying roads, parks, and neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, flood warnings remain in effect for Warren, Marion, and Polk Counties after river levels began climbing Wednesday evening. The Des Moines River at SE 6th Street is expected to rise above flood stage late Thursday morning, reaching up to 25.0 feet by early Friday afternoon—flooding areas around Simon Estes Amphitheater—before subsiding below flood stage late Saturday evening.
The Raccoon River at Fleur Drive, also under a flood warning, is predicted to crest at 13.5 feet Friday morning, affecting the low-lying zones of Water Works Park. Polk County drivers should prepare for possible road closures and detours, especially near river crossings. Residents in Marion and Warren counties should monitor local advisories as minor flooding could impact neighborhoods and access to major roadways from the Center Street dam to Runnells and along Walnut Creek.
City officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads—most flood deaths occur in vehicles—and to have an emergency plan in place. Charge mobile devices, secure outdoor belongings, and review evacuation routes if you live near the riverbanks. These flood levels are similar to late-summer events in recent years but could bring faster rises due to saturated soils from recent rains.
Flood warnings remain active through Sunday afternoon, with river levels expected to fall below flood stage by late weekend. Stay tuned for additional alerts and updated guidance from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
