Iowa flood watches
There are no flood watches in Iowa right now. The last one was issued on September 30, 2026.
Heavy rain or snowmelt could cause flooding or flash flooding. Be ready to act if a warning is issued.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active flood watches in Iowa
None right now. Other active alerts in Iowa: none.
Flood Watches in Iowa by year
Iowa averaged 28.9 flood watches per year from 2016 to 2025, and has had 45 so far in 2026. The most recent was issued on September 30, 2026.
Counties with the most flood watches
| County | 2016–2025 |
|---|---|
| Lee County | 52 |
| Van Buren County | 51 |
| Scott County | 51 |
| Muscatine County | 50 |
| Henry County | 49 |
| Des Moines County | 49 |
| Louisa County | 47 |
| Wayne County | 46 |
| Davis County | 46 |
| Appanoose County | 46 |
What a flood watch means
A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, including flash flooding, in and near the watch area. Watches are issued ahead of heavy-rain events such as slow-moving storms, tropical systems and atmospheric rivers, often 12 to 48 hours in advance.
More about flood watches and the national map →
What to do
- Know whether your home, school or commute is in a flood-prone area.
- Clear gutters and storm drains near your home if it is safe.
- Plan a route to higher ground and keep your phone charged.
More Iowa alerts
- Tornado Warnings
- Tornado Watches
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Flood Warnings
- Winter Storm Warnings
- Winter Storm Watches
- Winter Weather Advisories
- Blizzard Warnings
- Extreme Cold Warnings
- Cold Weather Advisories
- Freeze Warnings
- Frost Advisories
- Heat Advisories
- Extreme Heat Warnings
- High Wind Warnings
- Wind Advisories
- Red Flag Warnings
- Dense Fog Advisories
- All Iowa alerts