National Weather ServiceIowaFlash Flood WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warnings in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 68 flash flood warnings for Iowa in 2025 and 86 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 89, in line with the average of 85 for those months in 2008-2025. Lee was covered most often (78 times since 2008).
How many flash flood warnings does Iowa get?
Every flash flood warning that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 93 |
| 2025 | 68 |
| 2024 | 83 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2020 | 35 |
| 2019 | 103 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2016 | 131 |
| 2015 | 71 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2013 | 124 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2011 | 86 |
| 2010 | 203 |
| 2009 | 75 |
| 2008 | 230 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Iowa get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee | 78 | 12 | September 16, 2026 |
| Scott | 70 | 15 | September 20, 2026 |
| Plymouth | 68 | 8 | September 7, 2026 |
| Pottawattamie | 68 | 23 | October 1, 2026 |
| Johnson | 67 | 12 | September 20, 2026 |
| Sioux | 66 | 21 | May 18, 2026 |
| Woodbury | 66 | 9 | September 7, 2026 |
| Jackson | 63 | 15 | September 20, 2026 |
| Linn | 62 | 14 | September 20, 2026 |
| Muscatine | 62 | 13 | September 20, 2026 |
| Clayton | 61 | 4 | September 19, 2026 |
| Des Moines | 61 | 10 | August 19, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest flash flood warnings for Iowa in AreaZine's record
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Black Hawk, Butler, Grundy and 1 more, IA
In force until 10:45 a.m. CDT, October 1, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll and 3 more, IA
In force until 7:15 a.m. CDT, October 1, 2026
NWS Omaha/ValleyWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Shelby, IA
Expired 3:30 a.m. CDT, October 1, 2026
NWS Omaha/ValleyWarningSeptember 30, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Harrison, Pottawattamie, Shelby and 2 more, IA and NE
Expired 2:15 a.m. CDT, October 1, 2026
NWS Omaha/ValleyWarningSeptember 30, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Pottawattamie, Douglas and Sarpy, IA and NE
Expired 2:00 a.m. CDT, October 1, 2026
NWS Quad Cities IAWarningSeptember 20, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Benton, Cedar, Iowa County and 3 more, IA
Expired 8:00 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2026
NWS Quad Cities IAWarningSeptember 20, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Clinton, Muscatine, Scott and 5 more, IA and IL
Expired 7:30 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2026
NWS Quad Cities IAWarningSeptember 20, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Cedar, Iowa County, Johnson and 4 more, IA
Expired 6:15 a.m. CDT, September 20, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning means flash flooding is happening or about to happen: water rising fast in streams, streets or dry washes, usually within six hours of heavy rain or a dam or levee failure. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.