Alert archive / Iowa / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 23, NWS Des Moines, IA
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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 8:00 AM CDT | RAIN 4.25 | 1 Wsw Osceola, IA | Cocorahs station IA-CL-11 Osceola 0.5 WSW. |
| Aug 5, 8:37 AM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 2 W Murray, IA | Delayed report. More than six inches of water flowing over roads. |
| Aug 5, 9:02 AM CDT | RAIN 3.43 | 6 Se Allerton, IA | Cocorahs station IA-WY-9 Corydon 7.7 SSE. |
| Aug 5, 9:13 AM CDT | RAIN 3.5 | Humeston, IA | 24 hour storm total. Picture sent in via social media. |
| Aug 5, 12:00 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Se Weldon, IA | Delayed 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.
- 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
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
$$
Zogg1 follow-up statement
819
WGUS73 KDMX 051500
FFSDMX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1000 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026
IAC039-053-117-185-051815-
/O.CON.KDMX.FF.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260805T1815Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Clarke IA-Decatur IA-Lucas IA-Wayne IA-
1000 AM CDT Wed Aug 5 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR CLARKE, NORTHERN DECATUR, SOUTHWESTERN LUCAS AND WAYNE
COUNTIES...
At 1000 AM CDT, delayed spotter reports were received of flash
flooding in the Murray area in western Clarke County around 840 am,
with more than six inches of water flowing over some roads, where
the heaviest rain occurred. Although floodwaters are likely on their
way down, flash flooding remains possible especially in lower areas
or areas small streams and other drainage areas.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Trained spotters reported.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Osceola, Corydon, Lakeside Casino, Murray, Seymour, Allerton,
Humeston, Van Wert, Garden Grove, Woodburn, Weldon, Derby,
Millerton, Le Roy and Murray Roadside Rest Area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For the latest stream observations and forecasts refer to
weather.gov/desmoines/water.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
&&
LAT...LON 4116 9367 4106 9353 4089 9326 4065 9310
4065 9358 4077 9374 4087 9401 4116 9401
FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
$$
ZoggWhat 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.
&&
TDRLocal 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
&&
AnsorgeThe office that day
Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 12:07 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Adair, Adams, Cass | 38 min |
| Aug 5, 2:14 AM CDT | Flood Watch | DMX | Appanoose, Davis, Wapello | 14 hr |
| Aug 5, 3:43 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Adams, Taylor | 47 min |
| Aug 5, 5:41 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Decatur, Wayne | 49 min |
| Aug 5, 6:13 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Appanoose, Wayne | 47 min |
| Aug 5, 9:02 AM CDT | River Flood Watch | DMX | Decatur | 25 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.