Iowa flash flood warnings

What a flash flood warning means

A flash flood warning means water is rising fast, usually within six hours of heavy rain, a dam or levee failure, or an ice jam. Small streams, low-water crossings, urban underpasses and burn scars from wildfires are the most dangerous places. A "flash flood emergency" is the highest level and is used when severe threat to life and catastrophic damage are occurring.

More about flash flood warnings and the national map →

What to do

• Get to higher ground immediately if you are in a flood-prone area.
• Turn around, do not drown: never drive or walk into flood water.
• Stay away from creeks, drainage ditches and low-water crossings.
• At night, be extra careful; it is harder to see that a road is flooded.