Prepare For Spring Floods

Floods are very common in Iowa during the spring season. Floods are generally caused by excessive rainfall, excessive snowmelt, storms and dam failure. Many rivers in Iowa crest to full levels, parts of many cities get covered with water, crop damage can total more than one million acres, and homes get destroyed.

Much of Iowa has seen excessive amounts of snowfall this winter– with the western part of the state about twice as much and the northwest corner about three times as much snow as usual. Floods can develop slowly in the spring season following melting of heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. It's important to be prepared and remain informed.