Iowa's flood risk is still low

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa's flood outlook for is still low for most of the state.

"The flooding risk is near-normal in most locations. We'll have to continue monitoring for future precipitation because if we get a heavy snowfall or a lot of rain that could definitely change things" says Jeff Zogg with the National Weather Service.

He says his main flooding concern right now is heavy rain.

"We've seen years past where we go into spring with pretty average flood risk and sometimes we get a really heavy rain fall which can change things in certain locations, so we'll have to continue monitoring that," Zogg says.

Zogg says the ground has thawed across much of Iowa, which gives rainwater another place to go.

"When the rain falls, the water that hits the ground can infiltrate and go into the soil. However, if the rain falls really heavy the ground may not be able to absorb it all and it can still run off," he says.

There is some flooding in Eastern Iowa--a flood warning in Scott and Clinton counties is being extended.

The National Weather Service says the warning for areas near the Wapsipinicon River now goes through late Monday night.

They say minor flooding is happening now, and moderate flooding is forecast.

The Weather Service says the Wapsipinicon is expected to crest at 12 feet just after midnight Friday, then fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.


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