Reports from the 13h through the 19th in this entry. A relatively deep and widespread snowpack existed across the region during early to mid March.
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.
Reports from the 13h through the 19th in this entry.
A relatively deep and widespread snowpack existed across the region during early to mid March. Many areas in central and northern Iowa had around a foot to two feet of snow on the ground, along with many areas in upstream river basins in Minnesota and the Dakotas having similar or deeper snowpacks on the ground. Additionally, with the below normal temperatures throughout the majority of the 2019 year to date, soils were frozen to depths of a foot or more throughout the aforementioned areas. All of that primed the area for potential moderate to major flooding issues should a rapid snowmelt and/or rainfall event occur, which unfortunately came to fruition.
The primary driver was two-fold with warm air advection on the backside of a departing high pressure on the 12th, and a sizable low pressure system that moved through the region on the 13th and 14th. The event began with widespread temperatures and dew points in the upper 30s to low 40s on the 12th with the initial warm air advection, which continued through the overnight hours into the 13th. As the low pressure system developed off the Colorado Rockies, warm air advection continued to push temperatures and dew points up into the upper 40s and low 50s on the 13th and 14th, aiding the rapid snow melt. On top of the rapid snowmelt, which often went from 12 or more inches on the ground to zero in a matter of about two days, light to moderate rainfall occurred ahead of and on the backside of the low pressure system on the 13th and 14th. All combined to cause widespread overland flooding, river flooding, and ice jam issues.
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 13, 5:34 AM CST, 3 hours 41 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Des Moines IA 634 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 ...Updated Aviation Discussion... .DISCUSSION.../Today through Tuesday/ Issued at 330 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 Very active weather over the next 24 to 48 hours as a negatively tilted upper level trough ejects across the central Plains. At the surface an impressive low pressure center tracks from southeast Colorado and across Kansas. Deep southerly flow ahead of the system feeds an unseasonably moist airmass into the region today, aided by a 60+ knot low level jet. Moisture transport over the top of a melting snowpack has led to the ongoing dense fog across much of the cwa. The lowest visibilities persist into the morning hours before gradually improving, but areas of fog between 1sm to 3sm may linger through much of the day. Gusty winds develop by late morning and afternoon hours as the local pressure gradient tightens in response to the deepening low. Wind Advisory continues for areas generally along and south of I-80 where the strongest gusts should reside. Our next round of rainfall is already ongoing early this morning in a zone of increasing mid- level convergence stretching across Nebraska into western Iowa. Weak elevated instability has supported a few lightning strikes, which will likely continue as the activity drifts off to the north. Strongly diffluent flow aloft will support another round of widespread showers and storms later this morning and afternoon. Heavy rainfall is possible at times as pwats push toward climatological maximums. Some concern that more robust deep convection could generate sporadic gusts near or exceeding severe limits as higher velocity mid-level winds are transported to the surface. However this scenario remains highly conditional due to limited instability. A more unstable environment that may support a severe weather threat looks to hang closer to the low center in KS/NE today. Dry slot punches through the cwa by late Wednesday and brings a lull to most appreciable precip chances. Intense upper level trough and attendant surface low become stacked and begin to weaken as the system crosses the state Thursday. Additional showers develop as more moisture wraps around the south side of the low pressure center. Another push of strong winds develop as the low moves east and forces a cold front through the state. Highest confidence in advisory level winds remains over western Iowa. Falling temperatures bring ptypes into question by late Thursday afternoon and evening. Sporadic loss of ice introduction in the models makes it difficult to discern between freezing rain or snow. Regardless of ptype the qpf intensity should be waning over this period and hopefully limit the extent of any wintry impacts especially considering the gusty wind potential. Best chance to see light snowfall accumulation is generally across northwest and north central Iowa where some impacts to travel are possible late Thursday. Much anticipated dry and seasonable stretch of weather arrives Friday as an expansive area of surface high pressure settles into the region. River flooding issues continue into next week due to runoff from the ongoing precip and widespread snowmelt. && .AVIATION.../For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Thursday morning/ Issued at 629 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 LIFR/IFR visibility and ceilings to persist for much of the morning and confident in the long duration of these conditions other than OTM and DSM. These two locations could see some improvement with the strong winds developing by the next TAF issuance and could see at least MVFR conditions later this afternoon. LLWS more prevalent this afternoon into the evening. The IFR and LIFR look to move back into all the TAF sites late tonight into Thursday morning. && .HYDROLOGY... Issued at 330 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 Widespread rainfall in excess of 1" is still possible today as additional rounds of showers and storms move through central Iowa. The heavy rainfall will combine with expected rapid snowmelt to bring an increasing flood threat to much of the state through Thursday. The flood threat will extend beyond mainstem rivers to smaller basins and poor drainage areas as well. Conditions are favorable for the continued development of ice jams, and confidence is particularity high for ice jamming to occur in typically favorable areas within the next 24 to 48 hours. This includes the Des Moines River through Fort Dodge and the Raccoon River from Van Meter to Des Moines. Please continue to pay attention in the coming days for any flood warnings issued by the NWS. && .DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch through Thursday evening for IAZ004>007-015>017- 023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075-081>086-092>097. Dense Fog Advisory until 1 PM CDT this afternoon for IAZ004>007- 015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075-081>084-092>094. Wind Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening for IAZ057>060-070>075-081>086-092>097. && DISCUSSION...Martin AVIATION...Podrazik HYDROLOGY...Martin
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Des Moines IA 414 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-061-062-140915- 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-Jasper-Poweshiek- 414 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight A Flood Watch and a Dense Fog Advisory are 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 A Flood Watch are in effect for the area. Please refer to the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details. Strong and gusty winds are expected Thursday afternoon into the evening. Rain changing to snow during the gusty winds may produce visibility restrictions and slick roads by Thursday evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. If you see any ponding of water or ice jams, these reports would be greatly appreciated. IAZ057>060-070>075-081>084-092>094-140915- Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion- Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-Lucas-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur- 414 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight A Flood Watch, Dense Fog Advisory, and Wind Advisory are 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 A Flood Watch is in effect for the area. Please refer to the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. If you see any ponding of water or ice jams, these reports would be greatly appreciated. IAZ085-086-095>097-140915- Monroe-Wapello-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis- 414 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight A Flood Watch and Wind Advisory are 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 A Flood Watch is in effect for the area. Please refer to the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed. If you see any ponding of water or ice jams, these reports would be greatly appreciated. KLP
The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 25 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:16 UTC.
51 flood, 2 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Local media reported 115th Ave and Fulton Street and at G24 and Highway 65 covered in water due to river flooding and ice jam flooding.
Emergency management and river gauges reported 8 to 10 foot rises on the Middle Raccoon and South Raccoon Rivers due to ice jams. Several county roads were impacts with road closures. Flooding was also reported along Highway 44 between Panora and Dallas Center from heavy rain and snowmelt. Portions of Walnut Creek were also just above bankfull from the rain and snowmelt.
Public reported widespread ponding over area gravel roads and coming up to the edges of paved roads. Ponding was also reported in town coming all the way up to homes in Sac city. Reported via social media.
Trained spotter reported ponding in low lying and poor drainage areas, including water over many of the secondary roads across Madison county.
Trained spotter reported ponding in low lying and poor draining areas, including water over many secondary roads in Warren County.
County roads near the North River in Norwalk are flooded and impassable due an ice jam.
The county Sheriff reported that county roads are flooding and quickly becoming impassable near creeks and streams or in low-lying areas across the county.
Multiple secondary roads were closed across the county from snowmelt and heavy rain during the period. In addition an ice jam around Humboldt and Dakota City were causing flooding during the period.
Emergency manager reported that Highway 69 near Jewell had water partially covering the road. Several secondary roads, mainly gravel, had water over them as well.
Trained spotter reported that Boyer River was out of its banks near Deloit, Dow City, and bankfull at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Many county roads had water reported over them in low lying areas near creeks and streams.
Law enforcement reported Indian Creek over the road at N 19th and W 88th in Colfax.
Law enforcement reported an ice jam that resulted in large chunks of ice over the road near Lewis.
Trained spotter reported Big Creek out of its banks east of Boone causing agricultural flooding.
Trained spotter reported water going into the Crawford County Fairground parking area from the Boyer River.
Emergency manager reported US Highway 30 closed from Denison to Dow City due to flooding.
Bike trail bridge over Beaver Creek damaged/destroyed from ice and flooding.
Public reported widespread ponding in low lying and poor drainage areas. Report came via social media.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 4 closed between Wallingford in Emmet County and Graettinger in Palo Alto County due to water over the road.
Emergency manager reported most gravel roads cannot be driven on and several blacktop roads covered in water. At the time, low visibility making it hard to see flooded roadways. County has taken most utility trucks off the roads due to flood dangers.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 330 between the south edge of Albion and Marshalltown Boulevard are closed in both directions due to flooding. Estimated 1 to 2 days before re-opening.
Law enforcement reported water over the road at the Raccoon River Bridge, but still passable at the time.
Emergency manager reported road closure at 250th street and C Ave in Boone County due to water out of its banks along Beaver Creek.
Emergency manager reported water over the road has resulted in the evacuation of 2 to 3 homes at Nelson Ave and Riverside Trail near Coalville.
Public reported water coming onto westbound lane of County Highway D17 from South Beaver Creek. Report came via social media. The Iowa DOT also reported flooding along Iowa Highway 175 with the highway being reduced to one lane near Reinbeck.
Iowa DOT reported that US 71 north and southbound will be closed due to flooding between 2nd St and US 30 in Carroll.
County reported multiple secondary roads in Madison County closed due to flooding.
Iowa DOT reported US 18 closed between Britt and Garner due to flooding.
The county EM reported flooding of county roads across the county.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 25 down to one lane due to water over the road.
Public reported water over the road at Miller Creek Road between Laporte City and Washburn. Additionally downstream near Vinton there was an ice jam on the Cedar River. This was causing water to backup in Waterloo and Cedar Falls and causing some flooding. Another ice jam in the Cottage Row area of Cedar Falls was causing flooding and impacting homes. Many roads across the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area had been closed.
Iowa DOT reported Highway 28 closed due to flooding from the North River.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 57 from near Austinville to west of Parkersburg closed due to flooding.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 188 closed between Iowa 3 and County Road T64, cross road is 140th St, due to flooding. This is a delayed report.
Emergency reported water had started to rise along Riverside Trail between Fort Dodge and Otho, and will impact residential areas. Webster County has begun to evacuate some residents. The emergency manager also noted ice jam action likely starting near Lehigh.|The ice jam near Lehigh on the Des Moines River ended up flooding many homes and structures in the town of Lehigh. Many roads were closed as well.
Trained spotter reported that several streets near the Mason City Fire Station are closed due to flooding.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 14 closed between US 30 and County Road E27. Other secondary roads across the county were also reported closed due to flooding. Many roads and some bridges were damaged from the flooding. The bridge on 140th St. was a total loss.
Emergency manager reported flooding occurring in Mason City due to the sewers and storm drains backing up. This is near the area of the Mason City Fire Department. Willow Creek has also been rising in the last hour.
Iowa DOT reported US 169 closed north of Adel due to flooding.
Iowa DOT reported Iowa 14 closed north of Parkersburg between Iowa 57 and County Road C55.
County reported multiple secondary roads in Audubon County closed due to flooding.
County reported multiple secondary roads across rural areas of Black Hawk County due to flooding.
Numerous secondary roads in rural Butler County closed due to flooding.
Numerous secondary roads closed in Hancock County due to flooding.
County reported multiple rural roads closed due to flooding.
Numerous secondary roads closed throughout Sac County due to flooding.
Numerous secondary roads closed in Story County due to flooding. The EM also reported R77 closed due to flooding south of the town of Roland at 170th.
Multiple secondary roads closed in Tama County due to flooding.
Multiple secondary roads across northern Warren County closed due to flooding.
Multiple secondary roads in Webster County closed due to flooding.
Iowa DOT reported water covering one lane of US Highway 63 south of Tama. Traffic was still getting by at the time, but was being flagged due to the single lane restriction.
A large snowbank that had been holding back meltwater from local fields breached and allowed water to rush into the city of Whittemore. It flooded some roads to a depth of 1 to 2 feet.
Emergency manager reported an ice jam in Iowa Falls has caused rapid rises along the Iowa river. At one point there was an 8 foot rise in 15 minutes.
Emergency manager reported an ice jam in Iowa Falls has caused rapid rises along the Iowa river. This backed up portions of the river flooding low lying areas and roads across southwestern portions of the county.
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: 813065, 814842, 813066, 813067, 813068, 814843, 814844, 814851, 813069, 813071, 813070, 813072, 813073, 813074, 813075, 813076, 813077, 813078, 813079, 813081, 813082, 813083, 813084, 813085, 813086, 813126, 813087, 814853, 813088, 813089, 813090, 813091, 813092, 813093, 813094, 813095, 813096, 813098, 813099, 813111, and more.