National Weather ServiceIowaFlood WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Warnings in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 63 flood warnings for Iowa in 2025 and 241 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 111, 50% below the average of 223 for those months in 2008-2025. Louisa was covered most often (424 times since 2008).
How many flood warnings does Iowa get?
Every flood warning that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 132 |
| 2025 | 63 |
| 2024 | 216 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2020 | 126 |
| 2019 | 447 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2017 | 126 |
| 2016 | 229 |
| 2015 | 216 |
| 2014 | 270 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2011 | 290 |
| 2010 | 649 |
| 2009 | 251 |
| 2008 | 539 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisa | 424 | 51 | October 2, 2026 |
| Lee | 283 | 23 | October 2, 2026 |
| Clay | 276 | 28 | July 6, 2024 |
| Polk | 274 | 29 | October 2, 2026 |
| Johnson | 258 | 22 | October 1, 2026 |
| Des Moines | 245 | 28 | October 2, 2026 |
| Black Hawk | 232 | 34 | October 1, 2026 |
| Scott | 205 | 22 | September 20, 2026 |
| Muscatine | 191 | 25 | October 2, 2026 |
| Washington | 186 | 19 | October 1, 2026 |
| Clayton | 169 | 16 | September 19, 2026 |
| Clinton | 166 | 21 | September 20, 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 flood warnings for Iowa in AreaZine's record
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Decatur, IA
In force until 7:00 p.m. CDT, October 2, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Polk and Warren, IA
In force until 10:00 a.m. CDT, October 3, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Warren, IA
In force until 9:31 a.m. CDT, October 2, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Black Hawk, IA
In force until 1:00 a.m. CDT, October 3, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Dallas and Polk, IA
In force until 2:12 a.m. CDT, October 3, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Dallas, IA
In force until 4:00 a.m. CDT, October 3, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Jasper, Marion and Polk, IA
In force until 2:12 a.m. CDT, October 4, 2026
NWS Des MoinesWarningOctober 1, 2026
Flood Warning: Marion, Polk and Warren, IA
In force until 1:00 a.m. CDT, October 4, 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 flood warning?
A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to happen. The NWS issues it both for rivers at forecast points (river flood warnings) and for areas where water ponds or runs off (areal flood warnings); AreaZine counts both. 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.