Des Moines, IA – Heavy rainfall and rising river levels are putting parts of Iowa at risk for potential flooding through the weekend. A Flood Watch remains in effect for the Cedar River at Cedar Falls and the Iowa River near Tama, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert.
According to the National Weather Service, the Cedar River at Cedar Falls is expected to approach flood stage by Saturday morning, potentially affecting Riverside Drive south of Beech Street in Black Hawk County. The river is currently at 86.9 feet, with flood stage set at 89 feet. The flood watch continues until late Monday morning.
Meanwhile, a Flood Watch for the Iowa River near Tama remains active until further notice, as the river may rise to 12.5 feet, covering portions of Business 30 and S Prospect Drive in Toledo. Residents in Tama and Poweshiek counties are being urged to monitor conditions as river levels remain unstable.
In addition, a separate Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday morning for a large portion of central, south-central, southeast, and southwest Iowa, including Polk, Jasper, and Madison counties. Thunderstorms overnight are expected to bring intense rainfall rates of up to 2.5 inches per hour, which could quickly lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
With rain expected to continue through the weekend, residents are advised to avoid traveling in flooded areas and remain aware of rapidly changing river conditions. Stay updated through local authorities and weather sources for further advisories.
