Serving Iowans

The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public. IFC researchers, staff, and students strive to develop the most innovative tools and reliable information to improve Iowa's flood preparedness and resiliency. 

stream sensor in action

Flood Monitoring

Nearly 300 stream-stage sensors designed, built, and deployed by IFC measure river levels every 15 minutes, improving flood monitoring and forecasting. Hydrologic weather stations improve flood- and drought- prediction capabilities.

flood inundation maps for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Flood Mapping

High-resolution statewide flood maps for every Iowa stream, along with scenario-based flood inundation maps, keep individuals and communities safe and informed—protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. 

farm pond

Flood Mitigation

IFC staff and researchers provide leadership and technical expertise that supports collaborations with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement watershed-based strategies to mitigate flood damage and increase resilience. 

watershed model demonstration

Education and Outreach

The IFC participates in dozens of outreach activities each year and is dedicated to ensuring its resources are easily accessible and tailored for diverse audiences. IFC support for undergrad and grad students is developing Iowa's future workforce. 

Iowa Flood Information System

IFIS is a free, Google Maps-based web platform that communicates real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions for the entire state of Iowa.

Sam Hermite

"Iowa really knows...They've modeled and mapped the state, they have great data and visualization tools, and they have really effective outreach and communication. To really have a complete flood approach, you have to do all of those things."

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science & Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

Still mirrorlike reflection on river water of the Stanley Hydraulics Lab and UI Power Plant

Spring flood risks remain low, despite Friday’s storm

Thursday, March 20, 2025
Similar to its prediction made earlier this month, the Nation Weather Service’s Quad Cities bureau is anticipating below normal spring flood risks. Tim Gross, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the risk for severe flooding on the Mississippi River this spring is currently 5 to 10 percent.
Tony Loeser showing visitors a model of a sewer system

University of Iowa program housing Iowa Flood Center reports $35M on hold from feds

Thursday, March 20, 2025
As part of sweeping cuts across a broad swath of U.S. departments and agencies, $35 million in federal grants and contracts headed to the University of Iowa’s 105-year-old IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering center have been placed on hold.

Events

Growing Sustainable Communities Conference

Tuesday, April 1 to Wednesday, April 2, 2025 (all day)
Grand River Convention Center
The Growing Sustainable Communities Conference offers innovation, education, inspiration, and collaboration on growing sustainable communities. Sessions feature presenters with a wide range of expertise, including representatives from federal, state, and local governments, along with business and academic leaders from across the country. In addition to learning sessions, the conference includes two keynote luncheons, mobile workshops, a breakfast plenary session, and more! Visit us at the Iowa Flood Center and IIHR table! 
Discover Your University promotional image

Discover Your University

Sunday, April 20, 1:00pm to Tuesday, May 20, 2025 2:30pm
Hydraulics Wind Tunnel Annex
The Hydraulics Wind Tunnel Annex hosts research labs affiliated with the world-renowned hydraulics research center, IIHR–Hydroscience and Engineering.

Bur Oak Land Trust Prairie Preview

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
We invite you to join us as an exhibitor at the 40th Annual Prairie Preview on Wednesday, May 14 from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Iowa Memorial Union International Ballroom. Last year, nearly 300 people attended, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community! This year, we are once again dedicating the entire event to community building and networking, without a keynote speaker, to foster meaningful conversations and engagement. Stop by the IIHR and Iowa Flood Center exhibit for interactive demonstrations on how to understand and reduce your flood risk. Bur Oak Land Trust's Prairie Preview 40 Exhibitor Fair is made possible a through partnership with the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iowa.
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