Alert archive / Iowa / Flash Flood Watches in 2019

Flash Flood Watch 13, NWS Des Moines, IA

September 18, 201934 counties in Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this flash flood watch at Sep 18, 2019, 7:40 PM CDT for 34 counties in Iowa. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Sep 18, 2019, 7:40 PM CDT (00:40 UTC)
Expired
Sep 19, 2019, 9:54 AM CDT
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Des Moines, IA
Flood severity
None
All 34 counties

Adair County, IA, Adams County, IA, Audubon County, IA, Black Hawk County, IA, Boone County, IA, Bremer County, IA, Butler County, IA, Calhoun County, IA, Carroll County, IA, Cass County, IA, Cerro Gordo County, IA, Crawford County, IA, Dallas County, IA, Franklin County, IA, Greene County, IA, Grundy County, IA, Guthrie County, IA, Hamilton County, IA, Hancock County, IA, Hardin County, IA, Humboldt County, IA, Kossuth County, IA, Madison County, IA, Marshall County, IA, Palo Alto County, IA, Pocahontas County, IA, Polk County, IA, Sac County, IA, Story County, IA, Warren County, IA, Webster County, IA, Winnebago County, IA, Worth County, IA, Wright County, IA

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 64 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 00:00Z, 0.7 hours before the alert went out and 229 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Omaha, NE at 00:00Z on 2019-09-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2448 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Omaha, NE at 00:00Z on 2019-09-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 187 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2448 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-36 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1305 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
27 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
187 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
381 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
2.3
Supercell composite
8.8

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

588 
WGUS63 KDMX 190040
FFADMX

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
740 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...Flash Flood Potential Tonight Over Portions of Central Iowa...

.Thunderstorms are forecast to develop overnight with training of
storms expected in portions of Iowa. The training may lead to
excessive rainfall in some areas with flash flooding a
possibility. The threat will persist into Thursday morning as the
storms sink gradually southward through the state.  

IAZ033>036-044>048-057>060-070>073-081-190845-
/O.CAN.KDMX.FA.A.0002.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.FF.A.0013.190919T0040Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Boone-Story-
Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Adams-
Including the cities of Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, 
Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, 
Fort Dodge, Webster City, Denison, Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, 
Ames, Audubon, Exira, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, 
Perry, Waukee, Adel, Des Moines, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, 
Adair, Fontanelle, Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, 
Carlisle, and Corning
740 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...
...FLOOD WATCH IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Iowa, south central 
  Iowa, southwest Iowa, and west central Iowa, including the 
  following areas, in central Iowa, Boone, Dallas, Hamilton, 
  Polk, Story, and Webster. In south central Iowa, Madison and 
  Warren. In southwest Iowa, Adair, Adams, and Cass. In west 
  central Iowa, Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, 
  Guthrie, and Sac. 

* Through Thursday afternoon

* Ample moisture will fuel thunderstorms tonight into Thursday
  morning. These storms will likely train over the same areas with
  rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times.  

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on smaller
  streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. This
  will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

$$

IAZ016-017-024>028-037>039-049-190845-
/O.NEW.KDMX.FF.A.0013.190919T0040Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Hardin-
Grundy-Black Hawk-Marshall-
Including the cities of Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Mason City, 
Clear Lake, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Hampton, 
Parkersburg, Clarksville, Shell Rock, Greene, Aplington, Allison,
Dumont, Waverly, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, Grundy Center, 
Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, 
and Marshalltown
740 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Iowa, north central 
  Iowa, and northeast Iowa, including the following areas, in 
  central Iowa, Grundy, Hardin, and Marshall. In north central 
  Iowa, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, and 
  Wright. In northeast Iowa, Black Hawk and Bremer. 

* Through Thursday afternoon

* Ample moisture will fuel thunderstorms tonight into Thursday
  morning. These storms will likely train over the same areas with
  rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times.  

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on smaller
  streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. This
  will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
330 
WGUS63 KDMX 190349
FFADMX

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1049 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...Flash Flood Potential Tonight Over Portions of Central Iowa...

.Thunderstorms are forecast to develop overnight with training of
storms expected in portions of Iowa. The training may lead to
excessive rainfall in some areas with flash flooding a
possibility. The threat will persist into Thursday morning as the
storms sink gradually southward through the state.

IAZ005>007-015-023-191200-
/O.EXA.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-
Including the cities of Algona, Forest City, Lake Mills, 
Northwood, Manly, Emmetsburg, Pocahontas, Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, 
and Gilmore City
1049 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has expanded the

* Flash Flood Watch to include portions of north central Iowa 
  and northwest Iowa, including the following areas, in north 
  central Iowa, Kossuth, Winnebago, and Worth. In northwest 
  Iowa, Palo Alto and Pocahontas. 

* Through Thursday afternoon

* Ample moisture will fuel thunderstorms tonight into Thursday 
  morning. These storms will likely train over the same areas 
  with rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times. 

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on 
  smaller streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage 
  areas. This will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

IAZ016-017-024>028-033>039-044>049-057>060-070>073-081-191200-
/O.CON.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Sac-
Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Crawford-
Carroll-Greene-Boone-Story-Marshall-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-
Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Adams-
Including the cities of Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Mason City, 
Clear Lake, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Hampton, 
Parkersburg, Clarksville, Shell Rock, Greene, Aplington, Allison,
Dumont, Waverly, Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, 
Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, 
Fort Dodge, Webster City, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, 
Grundy Center, Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, 
Cedar Falls, Denison, Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Ames, 
Marshalltown, Audubon, Exira, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, 
Casey, Perry, Waukee, Adel, Des Moines, Atlantic, Greenfield, 
Stuart, Adair, Fontanelle, Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, 
Norwalk, Carlisle, and Corning
1049 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of central Iowa, north central Iowa, northeast Iowa, 
  south central Iowa, southwest Iowa, and west central Iowa, 
  including the following areas, in central Iowa, Boone, Dallas, 
  Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Marshall, Polk, Story, and Webster. 
  In north central Iowa, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, 
  Humboldt, and Wright. In northeast Iowa, Black Hawk and 
  Bremer. In south central Iowa, Madison and Warren. In 
  southwest Iowa, Adair, Adams, and Cass. In west central Iowa, 
  Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac. 

* Through Thursday afternoon

* Ample moisture will fuel thunderstorms tonight into Thursday 
  morning. These storms will likely train over the same areas 
  with rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times. 

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on 
  smaller streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage 
  areas. This will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

$$
254 
WGUS63 KDMX 190942
FFADMX

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
442 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...Flash Flood Potential Through Tonight Over Portions of Central
Iowa...

.Widespread thunderstorms have developed early this morning across
much of northern Iowa. These storms will gradually shift southeast
this morning with training of storms are expected at times. The 
training may lead to excessive rainfall in some areas with flash 
flooding a possibility. 

IAZ005>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>049-057>060-070>073-081-
191745-
/O.CON.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Pocahontas-
Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-
Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Boone-
Story-Marshall-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-Adair-Madison-
Warren-Adams-
Including the cities of Algona, Forest City, Lake Mills, 
Northwood, Manly, Emmetsburg, Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Mason City,
Clear Lake, Pocahontas, Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, Gilmore City, 
Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Hampton, Parkersburg, 
Clarksville, Shell Rock, Greene, Aplington, Allison, Dumont, 
Waverly, Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, Schaller, 
Early, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, Fort Dodge, 
Webster City, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, Grundy Center, 
Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, 
Denison, Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Ames, Marshalltown, Audubon, 
Exira, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Perry, Waukee, 
Adel, Des Moines, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, Adair, 
Fontanelle, Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, 
and Corning
442 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of central Iowa, north central Iowa, northeast Iowa, 
  northwest Iowa, south central Iowa, southwest Iowa, and west 
  central Iowa, including the following areas, in central Iowa, 
  Boone, Dallas, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Marshall, Polk, 
  Story, and Webster. In north central Iowa, Butler, Cerro 
  Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, 
  and Wright. In northeast Iowa, Black Hawk and Bremer. In 
  northwest Iowa, Palo Alto and Pocahontas. In south central 
  Iowa, Madison and Warren. In southwest Iowa, Adair, Adams, and 
  Cass. In west central Iowa, Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, 
  Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac. 

* Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon

* Widespread thunderstorms this morning with the potential for  
  rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times. 

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on 
  smaller streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage 
  areas. This will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

$$
555 
WGUS63 KDMX 191353
FFADMX

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
853 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...Flash Flood Potential Remains This Morning Across Portions
of Central Iowa...

.An area of thunderstorms continue to move across portions of
central Iowa this morning with rain rates having diminished some
in the last few hours. These storms will gradually shift 
southeast through the morning hours, however some training of
storms is still expected at times. The training may lead to 
excessive rainfall in some areas with flash flooding a 
possibility.

IAZ005>007-015>017-023>025-033>035-044-191500-
/O.CAN.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Pocahontas-
Humboldt-Wright-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Crawford-
Including the cities of Algona, Forest City, Lake Mills, 
Northwood, Manly, Emmetsburg, Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Mason City,
Clear Lake, Pocahontas, Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, Gilmore City, 
Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Sac City, Lake View, 
Odebolt, Wall Lake, Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, Manson, 
Lake City, Pomeroy, Fort Dodge, and Denison
853 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS CANCELLED...

The Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Iowa, north central
Iowa, northwest Iowa, and west central Iowa has been cancelled.
Rain has ended across the area of is very light, thus the watch
has been cancelled.

$$

IAZ026>028-036>039-045>049-057>060-070>073-081-191800-
/O.CON.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Carroll-
Greene-Boone-Story-Marshall-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-
Adair-Madison-Warren-Adams-
Including the cities of Hampton, Parkersburg, Clarksville, 
Shell Rock, Greene, Aplington, Allison, Dumont, Waverly, 
Webster City, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, Grundy Center, 
Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, 
Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Ames, Marshalltown, Audubon, Exira, 
Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Perry, Waukee, Adel, 
Des Moines, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, Adair, Fontanelle, 
Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, and Corning
853 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of central Iowa, north central Iowa, northeast Iowa, 
  south central Iowa, southwest Iowa, and west central Iowa, 
  including the following areas, in central Iowa, Boone, Dallas, 
  Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Marshall, Polk, and Story. In north 
  central Iowa, Butler and Franklin. In northeast Iowa, Black 
  Hawk and Bremer. In south central Iowa, Madison and Warren. In 
  southwest Iowa, Adair, Adams, and Cass. In west central Iowa, 
  Audubon, Carroll, Greene, and Guthrie. 

* Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon

* Widespread thunderstorms this morning with the potential for 
  rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour at times. 

* This rainfall may lead to flash flooding, quick rises on 
  smaller streams, and flooding of low lying and poor drainage 
  areas. This will likely be most problematic in urban areas. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

$$

MJB
712 
WGUS63 KDMX 191454
FFADMX

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
954 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...Flash Flood Threat Ending...

.The coverage of the storms has diminished and the rainfall rates
are not as intense and thus the flash flood threat across central
Iowa had ended.

IAZ026>028-036>039-045>049-057>060-070>073-081-191600-
/O.CAN.KDMX.FF.A.0013.000000T0000Z-190919T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Carroll-
Greene-Boone-Story-Marshall-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-
Adair-Madison-Warren-Adams-
Including the cities of Hampton, Parkersburg, Clarksville, 
Shell Rock, Greene, Aplington, Allison, Dumont, Waverly, 
Webster City, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, Grundy Center, 
Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, 
Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Ames, Marshalltown, Audubon, Exira, 
Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Perry, Waukee, Adel, 
Des Moines, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, Adair, Fontanelle, 
Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, and Corning
954 AM CDT Thu Sep 19 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS CANCELLED...

The Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Iowa, north central
Iowa, northeast Iowa, south central Iowa, southwest Iowa, and
west central Iowa has been cancelled. There remains a few isolated
storms this morning with brief pockets of moderate rain, but are
not anticipated to cause any flash flooding at this time. 

$$

KLP

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood watch went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Des Moines, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood watch went out at Sep 18, 6:42 PM CDT, 58 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Sep 18, 6:42 PM CDT, 58 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
642 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

.DISCUSSION.../Tonight through Wednesday/
Issued at 351 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

Main focus for the forecast period will be on storm chances
tonight into Thursday and the heavy rain potential. An area of
storms formed along an area of leading WAA and moisture advection
across northwest Iowa and has continued to sag through much of the
state today. These storms were expected to diminish this morning,
but have kept going with the continued weak WAA and moisture flow
into the state. Clearing across central and southern Iowa earlier
has allowed for some intensification of the storms as they pushed
through northeastern portions of the forecast area and they have
since moved off into east central Iowa. An additional area of
storms have formed closer to the surface boundary that remains off
to the northwest associated with the surface low across central
Canada. The associated upper level wave will lift to the northeast
tonight into Thursday, with continued moisture flow northward
into the boundary. Available moisture remains high with PWATs
around 1.7 inches or higher through Thursday, with FZ LVLs in the
14kft range, and warm cloud depths around 3-4km. This confined
with slow moving storms and storms moving parallel to the boundary
should provide a decent set up for heavy rain potential. Have
widespread amounts of around an inch or higher across central Iowa
through Thursday morning, but much higher pockets of rainfall
around 2-3" will be possible especially across west central Iowa
where the initiation point for storms is expected to linger and
pivot across the area into Thursday morning. Therefore have issued
a Flood Watch for the area most likely to see training of storms
especially as the boundary becomes more west to east oriented with
storms expected to continue forming and moving along that
boundary through late tonight and much of Thursday morning. Have
the watch going through 18z at this time, with the front likely to
start dropping further south through the afternoon hours and
allowing the storms to have better movement and not linger over an
area for as long a time. One concern will be across northern Iowa
and the heavy rain that fell earlier this morning with another
chance for rain tonight. Still expect the storms to be more
transient in that area prior to the boundary stalling out across
central Iowa toward late tonight/Thursday morning. Therefore did
not go into north central Iowa with the watch, but that area will
need to be monitored as adjustments to the watch area will be
possible.

Into Thursday night and Friday, the front will begin to wash out
across the area and lift northward Friday as a warm front. This
should lead to a general lull in precipitation chances for
Thursday night into early Friday. However as southerly flow
increases ahead of the main upper low moving eastward through the
Rockies and into the northern Plains by this weekend, chances for
precipitation increase again through the day/night Friday. Still
some timing issues with the cold front coming through Saturday,
but thunderstorm activity expected through much of the day with
some severe potential still being determined based on timing of
the frontal passage. Abundant moisture around so the heavy rain
potential still exists as well. Behind the front expect much more
seasonable conditions with temperatures back into the 70s for
Sunday and Monday. Some discrepancies set up with the general
pattern for next week, but a generally westerly upper level flow
pattern will suggest the potential for some continued
precipitation chances as well.

&&

.AVIATION.../For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Thursday evening/
Issued at 641 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

Main concern will be expected convection overnight into Thursday
morning across much of central Iowa. Areas outside of the
convection will see VFR conditions with unrestricted visibilities
and south to southeast winds. In and around thunderstorms, up to
IFR conditions with low ceilings and restricted visibilities are
expected. Winds will also be variable and quite gusty at times.
Much of the convection is expected to diminish by the end of the
period with VFR conditions in most locations.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 429 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

Heavy rain potential tonight across much of west central and
central Iowa with training storms expected along a slowly sagging
boundary. Flash flood guidance around 1-2" for an hour and 2-3"
for 3 and 6 hours. Therefore with a quick inch or two possible
with highly efficient rainfall production expected and the
combination of training of cells and prolonged duration of
activity, will lead to some flash flood and flood potential across
portions of west central and central Iowa. Therefore a Flood Watch
has been issued for tonight through Thursday morning. Crops are
starting to dry some and should aid in increased runoff along with
some wet soils from rainfall over the past week.

&&

.DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch through Thursday afternoon for IAZ033>036-044>048-
057>060-070>073-081.

&&

DISCUSSION...Beerends
AVIATION...Cogil
HYDROLOGY...Beerends
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 18, 3:33 PM CDT, 4 hours 7 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
333 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-037>039-049-050-061-062-074-082-083-
092-093-191100-
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Hardin-Grundy-
Black Hawk-Marshall-Tama-Jasper-Poweshiek-Marion-Union-Clarke-
Taylor-Ringgold-
333 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight

Thunderstorms are likely at times through this evening and again
overnight into early Thursday. The threat of severe weather is
low, but locally heavy rainfall is possible, especially late
tonight into early Thursday morning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Thunderstorms will linger into Thursday, with a low threat of
severe weather but with a possibility of locally heavy rainfall.

Intermittent thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast from
Friday through Sunday, then again around Tuesday. At this time it
appears the highest storm chances will come from Friday night
through Saturday. The potential for the severe weather and heavy
rain during this time will be refined in the coming days.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely, but any reports of heavy rain or
flooding are always appreciated.

IAZ033>036-044>048-057>060-070>073-081-191100-
Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Boone-Story-
Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Adams-
333 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the area tonight through
Thursday morning. Please refer to the National Weather Service
website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the area through Thursday
morning. Please refer to the National Weather Service website at
weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

Intermittent thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast from
Friday through Sunday, then again around Tuesday. At this time it
appears the highest storm chances will come from Friday night
through Saturday. The potential for the severe weather and heavy
rain during this time will be refined in the coming days.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely, but any reports of heavy rain or
flooding are always appreciated.

IAZ075-084>086-094>097-191100-
Mahaska-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
333 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight

Scattered, non severe thunderstorms will linger through this
evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Intermittent thunderstorm chances return to the forecast from
late Friday through Sunday, then again around Tuesday. At this
time it appears the highest storm chances will come from Friday
night through Saturday. The potential for the severe weather and
heavy rain during this time will be refined in the coming days.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely.

Lee

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Sep 18, 2:01 PM CDT, 5 hours 39 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
201 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

IAZ038-039-050-181930-
Black Hawk IA-Tama IA-Grundy IA-
201 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...Strong Thunderstorm Moving Across Far Northern Tama County...

At 159 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm just
northwest of Traer, or about 15 miles south of Waterloo, moving east
northeast at 20 mph.

Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
La Porte City, Traer, Reinbeck, Dysart, Washburn, Gilbertville and Tf
Clark State Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 4230 9230 4214 9230 4216 9266 4233 9267
      4245 9206 4230 9206
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 255DEG 18KT 4229 9246

Lee
Local storm report, Sep 18, 2:44 PM CDT, 4 hours 56 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
244 PM CDT WED SEP 18 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0215 PM     TSTM WND DMG     5 N DYSART              42.24N 92.30W
09/18/2019                   TAMA               IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TREE BRANCH SNAPPED OFF. WINDS ESTIMATED
            AROUND 60 MPH.

&&

ANSORGE
Local storm report, Sep 18, 2:52 PM CDT, 4 hours 48 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
252 PM CDT WED SEP 18 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0242 PM     HAIL             1 NW LA PORTE CITY      42.32N 92.20W
09/18/2019  U0.50 INCH       BLACK HAWK         IA   PUBLIC

            REPORT FROM MPING: HALF-INCH (0.50 IN.).

&&
Special weather statement, Sep 18, 4:14 PM CDT, 3 hours 26 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
414 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

IAZ061-062-074-075-085-086-182215-
Wapello IA-Poweshiek IA-Marion IA-Jasper IA-Mahaska IA-Monroe IA-
414 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS MOVING THROUGH THE AREA...

At 413 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Montezuma to 11 miles southeast of
Knoxville. Movement was east at 30 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, Grinnell, Montezuma, New Sharon, Eddyville,
Ottumwa Industrial Airport, Lake Red Rock, Sully, Fremont, Lovilia,
Beacon, University Park, Bussey, Lynnville, Deep River, Harvey,
Barnes City and Rose Hill.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Des Moines .

&&

LAT...LON 4113 9304 4172 9300 4167 9230 4151 9230
      4151 9241 4116 9241 4116 9218 4108 9218
TIME...MOT...LOC 2113Z 271DEG 21KT 4164 9260 4123 9293

Boksa
Special weather statement, Sep 18, 4:25 PM CDT, 3 hours 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
425 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

IAZ005-016-182215-
Kossuth IA-Hancock IA-
425 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...STRONG STORMS MOVING ACROSS PARTS OF NORTHERN IOWA...

At 424 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Algona, moving east at 30 mph.

Penny size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Algona, Britt, Eagle Lake, Kanawha, Wesley, Corwith, Lu Verne, St.
Joseph, St. Benedict, Irvington, Sexton, Hutchins, Stinson Prairie
State Park, Eagle Lake State Park, Algona Municipal Airport and Aa
Call State Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Des Moines.

&&

LAT...LON 4313 9371 4291 9376 4291 9397 4292 9434
      4314 9432
TIME...MOT...LOC 2124Z 274DEG 30KT 4303 9423

Boksa
Special weather statement, Sep 18, 6:07 PM CDT, 1 hour 33 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
607 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

IAZ086-097-182315-
Wapello IA-Davis IA-
607 PM CDT Wed Sep 18 2019

...STRONG STORMS MOVING THROUGH THE AREA...

At 606 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Batavia, or 12 miles southwest of Fairfield, moving east at 25 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Eldon and Agency.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Des Moines.

&&

LAT...LON 4088 9233 4100 9232 4101 9218 4085 9218
TIME...MOT...LOC 2306Z 273DEG 20KT 4092 9217

Boksa

Nearby

Flash Flood Watches in Iowa, 2019Every flash flood watch in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.