Des Moines, Iowa – Flash flooding could hit parts of northern and west-central Iowa starting Wednesday afternoon, threatening roads, low-lying areas, and already swollen streams.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Flood Watch goes into effect at 3 p.m. Wednesday and will remain in place through 1 p.m. Thursday. Counties under the watch include Cerro Gordo, Kossuth, Emmet, Humboldt, and Sac, among others.
Communities like Mason City, Algona, Estherville, and Denison could see localized flooding as heavy rain runs off quickly into already high waterways. Poor drainage areas, creeks, and underpasses are especially vulnerable, and drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads.
Emergency managers warn that even small streams may overflow with additional rainfall. Residents should charge devices, monitor local alerts, and be prepared to seek higher ground if flooding develops quickly.
