Higher than average snowfall through the winter created a wet snowpack across much of Iowa which was still present into early March. A large storm system impacted the region through the middle of March which brought heavy rain and warm temperatures to the state.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS DMX wrote it up.
Higher than average snowfall through the winter created a wet snowpack across much of Iowa which was still present into early March. A large storm system impacted the region through the middle of March which brought heavy rain and warm temperatures to the state. This system allowed much of the snowpack to melt across the state within a few days to a week. This heavy rain fell on frozen ground allowing nearly all of the rainfall and snowmelt to runoff into the river systems. This led to flooding on nearly all rivers and nearly all river points throughout central Iowa. The majority of the river flooding had ended with rivers returning to their banks by late March. However portions of the upper Des Moines Basin remained in flood into April. These points were the Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, and the West Fork of the Des Moines River at Estherville, Emmetsburg, and Humboldt. Many of the rises on the rivers were also due to ice jams that formed on the river channel due to break up jams as temperatures warmed and river levels rose.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Mar 11, 5:26 PM CST, 4 hours 49 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Des Moines IA 626 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 .DISCUSSION.../Tonight through Monday/ Issued at 350 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 Focus through the period still on strong storm system to impact the region from Tuesday through Thursday. The main upper trough continues to rotate off the coast of California with a southwesterly flow pattern aloft into the central US. The first round of moisture will spread northward late tonight into Tuesday along with some strong WAA. Some dry air to fight, so have delayed the onset of precipitation a bit further with the precipitation expected to spread across the forecast area through the day Tuesday. With the delay, the chances of any icing potential and freezing precipitation has dwindled quite a bit. Still a small chance for a brief period in the far west to northwest around the morning commute Tuesday. Strong WAA should then allow the entire column to warm and send surface temperatures above freezing allowing for mainly rain across the area by late Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon. Several surges of moisture northward through the state from Tuesday night through Wednesday night in the WAA wing of this system with increasing moisture across the state through the day Wednesday. Dewpoints expected to rise to around 40 north and into the lower 50s across the south through the day Wednesday. This warming coupled with additional rainfall will allow for a period of rapid snowmelt across the state Wednesday into Wednesday night. The snowpack is still quite dense, but given the thermal profiles still should see substantial melting through early Thursday. Heavy rainfall potential still on tap with the surges of moisture into the state as the upper low lifts into northern KS by Wednesday night. The surface low will move into roughly the same location with the entire system lifting northeastward through central and eastern Iowa late Wednesday night through Thursday. Instability will allow for higher rain rates that could push QPF above 2" in spots and possibly approaching up to 3" through Thursday. Ponding of water on roads and in fields likely with the heavy rainfall and snowmelt combination. Have issued a Flood Watch as well for the flooding potential, as already saw a few flooding issues with the heavy rainfall this past weekend. Ice jam potential also increasing with the warm days forecast through Thursday and a continued forecast of highs above freezing and into the 40s through much of the entire period. As the low lifts through the state Wednesday night into Thursday a dry slot is expected to move through portions of the forecast area especially the central/south which should provide a period of little precipitation. On the backside of the system, deformation zone rain may transition to snow as the column cools and surface temperatures fall back to near freezing or below toward late Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. Tried to hasten the cooling in the guidance grids, as right now think they don't move the cold air into the forecast area fast enough. Could have some wet roads and other conditions as well which could freeze with the push of cold air and cause some icy spots on roads for the Thursday PM commute across the west/north and into Thursday evening as some light snow is possible before the precipitation tapers off through the night. Dry conditions are then expected for Friday into the weekend, with some river flood potential and ice jam potential continuing. The extent of the river flood potential will be more apparent by late this week as the QPF is determined from this upcoming system and we go through the freeze/thaw diurnal cycle into early next week. && .AVIATION.../For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Tuesday evening/ Issued at 621 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 A few pockets of fog are possible overnight otherwise VFR conditions should prevail along with light winds. Cigs will lower to IFR/LIFR throughout the day Tuesday along with increasing areas of fog and rain. Expect widespread IFR/LIFR by Tuesday afternoon. The wind will become breezy from the southeast on Tuesday. && .HYDROLOGY... Issued at 350 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 Widespread rainfall amounts of around 1-2" likely across central Iowa Tuesday into Thursday, with the majority of the rainfall and heaviest rates coming late Tuesday night through Wednesday. Due to possible thunderstorms, locally higher amounts in excess of 2" will be possible as well. The heaviest rainfall is expected across the northwest half of the state. The heavy rainfall will combine with expected rapid snowmelt to bring an increasing flood threat to much of the state Wednesday into Thursday. River levels are already running above average due to the wet fall/winter and recent rainfall. Additionally, ice jams in favored locations will also be possible as a string of days above freezing are anticipated. The flooding threat will extend beyond mainstem rivers, to smaller basins and poor drainage areas as well. Please continue to pay attention in the coming days for any flood warnings issued by the NWS. && .DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening for IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075- 081>086-092>097. && DISCUSSION...Beerends AVIATION...Donavon HYDROLOGY...Beerends
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Des Moines IA 357 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075- 081>086-092>097-122100- 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-Wapello-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne- Appanoose-Davis- 357 PM CDT Mon Mar 11 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday A Flood Watch is in effect for the area. Please refer to the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details. Moderate to heavy rainfall is possible Tuesday through Thursday and may be accompanied at times by thunderstorms and fog. Very strong and gusty winds are likely to develop later on Thursday into the first part of Friday and with the possibility of light snow at the end of the precipitation, this could cause blowing snow. In addition to the precipitation, warmer temperatures will cause much of the snow pack to melt and the runoff from both snowmelt and rainfall may lead to flooding later this week. Ice jams are also possible this week. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. Ansorge
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
36 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
The Middle River at Indianola crested at 23.92 feet likely due to an ice jam on 12 March 2019 at 07:30 UTC.
The Des Moines River at Ottumwa crested at 13.22 feet likely due to an ice jam on 12 March 2019 at 15:00 UTC.
The Middle River at Indianola crested at 25.19 feet on 13 March 2019 at 15:30 UTC.
The South Raccoon River at Redfield crested three times during the period of flood. The first two crests and highest crests were due to ice jams, with the third crest from snowmelt and heavy rain. The first crest was 21.52 feet on 14 March 2019 at 00:00 UTC, the second crest was 22.13 feet on 14 March 2019 at 01:15 UTC, and the third crest was 21.16 feet on 14 March 2019 at 17:30 UTC.
The Raccoon River at Fleur Drive crested twice during the flood period. The first crest was 19.85 feet on 15 March 2019 at 15:00 UTC and the second crest was 19.60 feet on 17 March 2019 at 21:00 UTC.
The Iowa River at Tama Highway E49 crested at 13.95 feet on 16 March 2019 at 14:00 UTC.
The Raccoon River at Van Meter crested three times during the flood period. The first crest was 20.08 feet on 15 March 2019 at 00:00 UTC, the second crest was 19.27 feet on 15 March 2019 at 21:00 UTC, and the third crest was 19.11 feet on 17 March 2019 at 08:15 UTC.
The South Skunk River at US Highway 30 Ames crested at 23.09 feet on 14 March 2019 at 19:45 UTC.
Fourmile Creek at Easton Boulevard crested at 12.80 feet on 14 March 2019 at 07:00 UTC.
The East Nishnabotna River at Atlantic crested at 19.19 feet on 14 March 2019 at 07:45 UTC.
Black Hawk Creek at Hudson crested 3 times during the flood period. The first and highest crest was 18.02 feet on 15 March 2019 at 08:45 UTC, the second crest was 16.03 feet on 16 March 2019 at 00:00 UTC, and the third crest was 15.13 feet on 17 March 2019 at 20:30 UTC.
Squaw Creek at Lincoln Way Ames crested two times during the period of flood. The first crest was 10.70 feet on 14 March 2019 at 13:30 UTC and the second crest was 10.75 feet on 14 March 2019 at 16:00 UTC.
The West Fork of the Des Moines River at Estherville crested three times during the period of flood. The first two crests were likely due to ice jams, with the third and highest crest of the flood period due to snowmelt and heavy rain. The river remained in flood into April. The first crest was 11.86 feet on 15 March 2019 at 22:30 UTC, the second crest was 12.44 feet on 19 March 2019 at 17:45 UTC, and the third crest was 15.25 feet on 25 March 2019 at 02:30 UTC.
The Des Moines River at SE 6th Street crested 3 times during the flood period. The first crest was 29.07 feet on 15 March 2019 at 19:30 UTC, the second crest was 29.15 feet on 16 March 2019 at 16:45 UTC, and the third crest was 29.17 feet on 17 March 2019 at 19:45 UTC.
The South Skunk River at West Riverside Ames crested at 13.97 feet on 15 March 2019 at 00:30 UTC.
The Raccoon River at Iowa Highway 28 crested twice during the flood period. The first crest was 37.43 feet on 15 March 2019 at 11:45 UTC and the second crest was 37.11 feet on 17 March 2019 at 19:00 UTC.
The Des Moines River at Fort Dodge went into flood 3 times and crested 8 times during the month of March. The first two periods of flood were likely due to ice jams. The first two crests occurred with the first period of flood, check other entries for later crests. The first crest during this period was 11.98 feet on 15 March 2019 at 03:00 UTC and the second crest was 12.03 feet on 15 March 2019 at 06:00 UTC.
The Des Moines River at Stratford crested at 20.33 feet likely due to an ice jam on 14 March 2019 at 21:00 UTC.
The North River at Norwalk crested at 24.41 feet on 15 March 2019 at 10:30 UTC.
The Iowa River at Marshalltown crested two times during the flood period. The first crest was 20.32 feet on 15 March 2019 at 21:15 UTC and the second crest was 19.11 feet on 17 March 2019 at 11:30 UTC.
Beaver Creek at New Hartford crested at 13.21 feet on 15 March 2019 at 09:15 UTC.
The North Raccoon River at Jefferson crested at 19.74 feet on 15 March 2019 at 15:30 UTC.
The West Fork of the Des Moines River at Emmetsburg crested three times during the period of flood. The first two crests were likely due to ice jams, with the third and highest crest of the flood period due to snowmelt and heavy rain. The river remained in flood into April. The first crest was 12.31 feet on 17 March 2019 at 19:00 UTC, the second crest was 12.47 feet on 18 March 2019 at 21:15 UTC, and the third crest was 13.44 feet on 25 March 2019 at 17:45 UTC.
The South Skunk River at Colfax crested at 18.80 feet on 16 March 2019 at 15:30 UTC.
The Cedar River at Cedar Falls crested 2 times during the flood period. The first crest was 93.51 feet on 16 March 2019 at 06:15 UTC and the second crest was 95.05 feet on 17 March 2019 at 19:00 UTC.
The Iowa River at Rowan crested at 13.15 feet on 16 March 2019 at 21:15 UTC.
The Des Moines River at Stratford crested three times during the period of flood. The first crest was 20.95 feet on 15 March 2019 at 20:15 UTC, the second at 22.01 feet on 18 March 2019 at 05:30 UTC, and the third crest was 22.14 feet on 21 March 2019 at 10:00 UTC.
The Shell Rock River at Shell Rock crested at 14.48 feet on 16 March 2019 at 19:30 UTC.
The Cedar River at Waterloo crested 2 times during the flood period. The first crest was 16.98 feet on 16 March 2019 at 08:45 UTC and the second crest was 18.64 feet on 18 March 2019 at 01:15 UTC.
This was the second period of flood during the month of March for the Des Moines River at Fort Dodge. Two of the 8 crests that occurred during the flood periods in March occurred during this flood period and were likely due to ice jams. The first crest during this period (third overall for March) was 11.28 feet on 15 March 2019 at 22:45 UTC and the second crest this period (fourth overall for March) was 11.28 feet on 16 March 2019 at 04:45 UTC.
The Winnebago River at Mason City crested at 10.10 feet likely due to an ice jam on 16 March 2019 at 00:00 UTC.
Beaver Creek at Grimes crested at 14.26 feet on 16 March 2019 at 08:45 UTC.
The North Raccoon River at Perry crested at 21.15 feet on 16 March 2019 at 20:15 UTC. This data was estimated as the gauge stopped reporting and manual wire weight observations were conducted in the absence of the gauge reports.
This was the third period of flood during the month of March for the Des Moines River at Fort Dodge. The flooding from this period continued into April. Four of the 8 crests that occurred during the flood periods in March occurred during this flood period. The first crest during this period (fifth overall for March) was 12.42 feet on 17 March 2019 at 03:30 UTC, the second crest this period (sixth overall for March) was 12.59 feet on 18 March 2019 at 07:15 UTC, the third crest this period (seventh overall for March) was 13.72 feet on 19 March 2019 at 12:30 UTC, and the fourth crest this period (eighth overall for March) was 15.04 feet on 21 March 2019 at 10:00 UTC.
The West Fork of the Des Moines River at Humboldt crested five times during the period of flood. The first three crests were likely due to ice jams, with the remaining two due to snowmelt and heavy rain. The river remained in flood into April. The first crest was 10.63 feet on 17 March 2019 at 03:30 UTC, the second crest was 12.50 feet on 17 March 2019 at 22:15 UTC, the third crest was 13.06 feet on 19 March 2019 at 11:00 UTC, the fourth crest was 14.6 feet on 20 March 2019 at 15:30 UTC, and the fifth crest was 13.79 feet on 29 March 2019 at 01:45 UTC.
The East Fork of the Des Moines River at Algona crested two times during the flood period. The first crest was 18.63 feet on 18 March 2019 at 03:45 UTC and the second crest was 18.60 feet on 19 March 2019 at 03:30 UTC.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Iowa in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Iowa, March 2019
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 811814, 811805, 811815, 811822, 811819, 811790, 811821, 811831, 811829, 811830, 811784, 811835, 811827, 811799, 811832, 811820, 811800, 811806, 811818, 811788, 811768, 811811, 811823, 811834, 811786, 811789, 811807, 811793, 811785, 811803, 811796, 811797, 811817, 811804, 811828, 811808.