The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for north-central to northeast Iowa as a boundary lifting into northern Iowa will increasing thunderstorms capable of repeated locally heavy rainfall from the late evening into the overnight hours Thursday. This risk of heavy rainfall may lead to some flash flooding.
Though the area is very dry, urban locations and small creeks will be susceptible to flooding if heavy rainfall occurs. There is still some uncertainty as to the exact location of the heaviest band of rainfall.
Amounts: Heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts greater than 6 inches may lead to isolated flash flooding mainly in urban areas, low water crossings, or small streams.
Rainfall Rates: Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour may lead to urban flooding and ponding or running water in city streets causing some travel issues.
Remember, if you see a flooded roadway, turn around! Be sure to have the ISCN Weather app installed to receive flood warnings sent directly to your mobile device!
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.