Flooding in Iowa, May 6 to 7, 1998

An unsettled weather pattern was over the central U.S. with numerous closed lows moving around a larger upper level trough of low pressure trough. A deformation area of rain formed during the late afternoon hours over Iowa. During the evening, the areas became more concentrated and remained nearly stationary over southern Iowa. Localized heavy rainfall occurred initially from the band of rain. By mid to late evening a large area of moderate to heavy rainfall ensued. One and one half to three inches of rain was common over Marion, Lucas, and Warren Counties. The heaviest rainfall reported was 3.54 inches in Warren County at Hartford. Other heavy totals included 2.65 inches in Charition in Lucas County, and 2.63 inches in Indianola in Warren County. Damage was relatively minor and restricted to basement flooding and agricultural ponding. Some of the small streams overflowed their banks, especially the White Breast Creek.