Alert archive / Iowa / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 23, NWS Des Moines, IA

August 5, 20264 counties in Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 5, 2026, 7:12 AM CDT for 4 counties in Iowa. It was in force for 6 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Aug 5, 2026, 7:12 AM CDT (12:12 UTC)
Expired
Aug 5, 2026, 1:15 PM CDT
In force
6 hr
Issued by
NWS Des Moines, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Clarke County, IA, Decatur County, IA, Lucas County, IA, Wayne County, IA

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 90 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 12:11 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.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 5, 8:00 AM CDTRAIN 4.251 Wsw Osceola, IACocorahs station IA-CL-11 Osceola 0.5 WSW.
Aug 5, 8:37 AM CDTFLASH FLOOD2 W Murray, IADelayed report. More than six inches of water flowing over roads.
Aug 5, 9:02 AM CDTRAIN 3.436 Se Allerton, IACocorahs station IA-WY-9 Corydon 7.7 SSE.
Aug 5, 9:13 AM CDTRAIN 3.5Humeston, IA24 hour storm total. Picture sent in via social media.
Aug 5, 12:00 PM CDTFLASH FLOOD1 Se Weldon, IADelayed report. 110th St closed approx 1/2 mi east of its intersection with Co Rd R48 due to a washed out culvert from floodwaters.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 85 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 12:00Z, 0.2 hours before the alert went out and 275 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, Topeka, KS at 12:00Z on 2026-08-05Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 512 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, Topeka, KS at 12:00Z on 2026-08-05The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 208 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
512 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-343 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1339 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
16 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
208 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
229 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

785 
WGUS53 KDMX 051212
FFWDMX
IAC039-053-117-185-051815-
/O.NEW.KDMX.FF.W.0023.260805T1212Z-260805T1815Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
712 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Clarke County in south central Iowa...
  Northern Decatur County in south central Iowa...
  Southwestern Lucas County in south central Iowa...
  Wayne County in south central Iowa...

* Until 115 PM CDT Wednesday.

* At 712 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or 
  expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Osceola, Corydon, Lakeside Casino, Murray, Seymour, Allerton, 
  Humeston, Van Wert, Garden Grove, Woodburn, Weldon, Derby, 
  Millerton, Le Roy and Murray Roadside Rest Area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For the latest stream observations and forecasts refer to 
weather.gov/desmoines/water.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4116 9367 4106 9353 4089 9326 4065 9310
      4065 9358 4077 9374 4087 9401 4116 9401

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Zogg
1 follow-up statement
819 
WGUS73 KDMX 051500
FFSDMX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1000 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

IAC039-053-117-185-051815-
/O.CON.KDMX.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260805T1815Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Clarke IA-Decatur IA-Lucas IA-Wayne IA-
1000 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 PM CDT THIS 
AFTERNOON FOR CLARKE, NORTHERN DECATUR, SOUTHWESTERN LUCAS AND WAYNE 
COUNTIES...

At 1000 AM CDT, delayed spotter reports were received of flash 
flooding in the Murray area in western Clarke County around 840 am, 
with more than six inches of water flowing over some roads, where 
the heaviest rain occurred. Although floodwaters are likely on their 
way down, flash flooding remains possible especially in lower areas 
or areas small streams and other drainage areas.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Trained spotters reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Osceola, Corydon, Lakeside Casino, Murray, Seymour, Allerton, 
  Humeston, Van Wert, Garden Grove, Woodburn, Weldon, Derby, 
  Millerton, Le Roy and Murray Roadside Rest Area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For the latest stream observations and forecasts refer to 
weather.gov/desmoines/water.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4116 9367 4106 9353 4089 9326 4065 9310
      4065 9358 4077 9374 4087 9401 4116 9401

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$

Zogg

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning 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 warning went out at Aug 5, 7:02 AM CDT, 10 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Locally heavy rainfall with isolated flash flooding risk over southern Iowa today. Rounds of rain and storms over southern into portions of central Iowa this morning drifting southeastward through the day. Much of the rainfall is over for southern Iowa by this evening.
  • Below average temperatures the rest of the work week, followed by warming temperatures and storm chances.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 5, 7:02 AM CDT, 10 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
702 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

 ...Updated for the 12z Aviation Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Locally heavy rainfall with isolated flash flooding risk over southern
  Iowa today. Rounds of rain and storms over southern into
  portions of central Iowa this morning drifting southeastward
  through the day. Much of the rainfall is over for southern
  Iowa by this evening.

- Below average temperatures the rest of the work week, followed
  by warming temperatures and storm chances.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Issued at 226 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

Convection has blossomed early this morning on the cool side of the
surface front that is near I-70. While the axis of the broad trough
is over the eastern Dakotas into eastern Nebraska with shortwave
energy aiding in this increase in convection, it is more so the
forcing from the 850mb low level jet pointed into southwestern Iowa
that has increased its coverage. The main concern with these storms
will be locally heavy rainfall. Latest mesoanalysis shows good
moisture transport with up to 1.8 inches of precipitable water
values being advected into the region with the 850-300mb winds from
the southwest around 30 knots, which is fairly well aligned with the
orientation of the surface and elevated boundary. Already this
morning have noted repeat rainfall rounds (aka training storms)
along the US 34 corridor over southwestern Iowa with several
clusters. However, versus one congealed area there is spacing
between the cells lessening the immediate risk of flash flooding.
Further, there has been some degree of cold pool push from the
storms such that they are deviating slightly to the southeast from
the east to west storms, though also note additional development
back over the Omaha metro that could fill in yet this morning.
Recent runs of the HRRR and RRFS are keying in on these areas with
localized rainfall amounts of 4 to 5 inches with the WPC QPF showing
3 to 4 inches. For the higher end potential, the 0z REFS and HREF
show localized probability matched mean bullseyes at or over 6".
While there was rainfall over southern Iowa Tuesday evening with a
few pockets in Davis County around 2 inches, most areas were under
an inch. Thus, antecedent conditions remain overall dry with flash
flood guidance values still being seasonally high along with mature
crops that will readily absorb the moisture. While any urban center
is more prone to flash flooding if high rates and repeat rounds
occur, have issued a flood watch for a few counties in our
southeastern forecast area that had the rainfall Tuesday evening and
are a bit more primed.

Now, these areas won't be the only places that see rain early this
morning with scattered storms moving northeastward from southwestern
Iowa into portions of central and our north central and northeastern
forecast area to around Mason City and the Waterloo area. As for the
severe risk over southern Iowa, there were some gusty winds in
southwestern Iowa shortly after midnight with personal weather
stations reporting wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph. Given the
saturated profiles, think these gusty winds will be quite limited
and hail potential as well given the deep warm layer.

Showers and storms will continue at times this morning, especially
over southern into portions of central Iowa, as they slowly sink
southeastward. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is possible over
southern Iowa. Much of the rainfall will have ended north of I-80 by
early afternoon with southern Iowa drying out by late this afternoon
or this evening. Thus, confidence continues to increase that the
higher rainfall totals tonight will be over Missouri.&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 251 PM CDT Tue Aug 4 2026

In the extended, temperatures will stay near to below average
through the end of the work week and 90 degree highs will try to
make a return over the weekend. The region will be locked in
northwest flow which keeps thunderstorm chances in play.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 702 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

Showers and storms are passing through central and southern Iowa
this morning, leading to MVFR and IFR conditions at KOTM and
KDSM. Flight restrictions could continue into the afternoon
hours with the highest confidence at KOTM. Areas of light,
patchy fog have started to develop at KFOD and KMCW behind the
line of showers; however we are not expecting any restrictions
this morning at these terminals. As we near the end of the TAF
period, areas of fog could develop over eastern Iowa. MVFR
restrictions have been introduced to highlight the fog, but
lower flight categories may be required as confidence builds in
later TAF issuances.

&&

.DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch through this evening for IAZ086-096-097.

&&

SHORT TERM...Ansorge
LONG TERM...Jimenez
AVIATION...TDR
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 5, 3:10 AM CDT, 4 hours 2 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
310 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075-
081>085-092>095-060815-
Emmet-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-Tama-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-
Poweshiek-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-
Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-
310 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight

Rounds of rain and thunderstorms will be most widespread over
southern into portions of central Iowa today. The main concern is
locally heavy rainfall with isolated flash flooding possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Storm chances return at times Friday into early next week. Any
severe or hydrologic concerns will be better assessed in the coming
days.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed, but reports of rainfall are
appreciated.

IAZ086-096-097-060815-
Wapello-Appanoose-Davis-
310 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight

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

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Storm chances return at times Friday into early next week. Any
severe or hydrologic concerns will be better assessed in the coming
days.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed, but reports of rainfall are
appreciated.

Ansorge

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 5, 4:21 AM CDT, 2 hours 51 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
421 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

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

0408 AM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 SSW Lenox             40.86N 94.57W
08/05/2026  M63 MPH          Taylor             IA   Public

            Wind gusts measured via personal weather
            station.

&&

TDR
Local storm report, Aug 5, 5:54 AM CDT, 1 hour 18 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
554 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026

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

0549 AM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 ENE Lamoni            40.63N 93.90W
08/05/2026  M58 MPH          Decatur            IA   ASOS

&&

Ansorge

The office that day

Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 5, 12:07 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAdair, Adams, Cass38 min
Aug 5, 2:14 AM CDTFlood WatchDMXAppanoose, Davis, Wapello14 hr
Aug 5, 3:43 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAdams, Taylor47 min
Aug 5, 5:41 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXDecatur, Wayne49 min
Aug 5, 6:13 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDMXAppanoose, Wayne47 min
Aug 5, 9:02 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDMXDecatur25 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Iowa, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

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