Flooding in Iowa, March 13 to 31, 2019

Name: Flooding in Iowa, March 13 to 31, 2019
Start: 2019-03-13T06:00
End: 2019-03-31T23:59
Location: Iowa

March 13 to 31, 2019 · NWS FSD · 43 events in 10 counties and zones

A historic flooding event unfolded as heavy rainfall drenched the area on March 13-14, 2019. With frozen and impervious ground, full and rapid runoff was maximized.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $600,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 43

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.

A historic flooding event unfolded as heavy rainfall drenched the area on March 13-14, 2019. With frozen and impervious ground, full and rapid runoff was maximized. In addition to the rainfall, between 1 and 3 inches of snow water equivalent remained in the snow pack south of Interstate 90, with 3 to 6 inches of snow water equivalent north of Interstate 90. Fifteen river gage sites measured record stages around the area. Winds gusted to 50 to 70 mph at times, and colder air filtering into the system at the end of the storm produced a light accumulation of ice west of the James River and from 1 to 4 inches of snowfall in parts of southeast South Dakota.

What forecasters said that day

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 Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 13, 5:55 AM CST, 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 13, 5:55 AM CST, 5 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
655 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

.SHORT TERM...(Today and Tonight)
Issued at 519 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

Upper-level low pressure now starting to congeal across the southern
Rockies, and a likely historic development of surface low pressure
is soon to commence in the lee of the Rockies with lifting of the
negative tilt wave toward the central Plains.  Impressive northward
surge of elevated instability through the Plains with widespread
showers and thunderstorms across NE and IA at 09z, and these will
continue to spread northward ahead of the system today. Warmer and
more moist air also working northward near the surface.

The latter is creating the initial concern of the day - dense fog.
Really about as widespread dense fog as have seen in quite a while,
as higher moisture content of southeasterly flow continues to flow
across the impressive snowpack. It is likely that fog will be a part
of things until winds come up with the system later tonight/Thursday
morning. However, there should be some improvement in visibility
once precipitation spreads northward into the area during the
morning.  Have maintained the current advisory this morning, and
added in a couple of counties to the western fringe where mass has
advected overnight.

Back to the elephant in the room.  A colossal winter storm will
develop over the next 12-24 hours, moving from eastern CO this
morning to northern Iowa/southern MN by midday Tuesday.  The initial
push of precipitation will be almost exclusively rain through the
day today, with a glaring exception being a small area with surface
temps below freezing at onset of precipitation from K9V9 to KHON.
Should be noted that the window for freezing precipitation would
seem to be fairly short given tendency for temps to warm to near or
just above freezing as clouds lower, and with additional boost from
precipitation warming from aloft. Could be a few areas toward K9V9
to KHON that see enough of a period to get a tenth or so
accumulation of freezing rain, but this will also succumb to the
warming expected today as readings climb into the mid to upper 30s.

The precipitation in warm advection wing will spread north and wrap
northwest across the area today, as trowal becomes established
around the system. There is enough elevated instability that a few
rumbles of thunder are likely, even through some areas north of I-90.
Behind this band, it appears a fairly formidable dry slot will push
northward, diminishing precipitation from the south during the
afternoon and early evening, and forcing the initial banding to wrap
even more westward within deformation zone north of the ejecting
upper wave.

During the later evening, the cold front aloft will begin to surge
northward toward the lower Missouri River valley, increasing
frontogenetic forcing through a fairly deep layer. Would expect to
see another resurgence in precipitation into southeast SD/northeast
NE/northwest IA, which will likely focus by very late night and
early morning. The cooling will begin to collapse fairly quickly
eastward by late night and Thursday morning, which will become
problematic on several fronts.  Timing of this cooling is difficult
with impacts from the warmer air aloft wrapping north, but strong
dynamic cooling battling quite effectively.  When the transition
does occur, it will do so quickly and lead to a rapid degradation of
conditions.  This band will be a bit more persistent into the
afternoon as it draws eastward with upper wave, and have raised
snowfall chances east through the afternoon, especially early.

The other feature of the system will be brutally strong winds, with
many locations exhibiting from 45 to 50 knots of wind within the
mixed layer behind the surface low/inverted trough.

In summary:

Winter Weather highlights- A threat for areas of freezing rain this
morning, but looks like a short window before temps warm above
freezing. Considered backing off the winter storm warning in the
south central for 12 hours, as much of the day will be warm enough
for just rain. Removed more marginal threat for icing within the
winter weather advisory, but allowed area to continue starting this
evening.  Further east, did not resolve the watch at this point late
tonight, as could end up with need for blizzard highlight at some
point, and will have another group of solutions to more effectively
determine the location of the secondary snow band.  Since there has
been an eastward shift in models, most notably with the 06z NAM and
several ensemble members, have expanded a winter storm watch further
southeast by a couple of counties. As wind will quickly become
brutally strong as cooling forces transition, have mentioned in the
watch area the chance for blizzard conditions. Could end up being
more snowfall along the band from Yankton to Sioux Falls to Marshall
if transition is a bit quicker on Thursday morning, within zone of
strong 925-750 hPa frontogenesis resulting as trowal shifts from
warm frontal to cold frontal structure.

Hydrology - Still looks good for a widespread rainfall of 1 to 2
inches across the area, with a considerable amount of water within
the remaining snow cover. All this spells issues with both ponding
of water due to rainfall rate, and amounts of precipitation expected.
Will need to monitor for ice jams on rivers and streams.

Winds - Likelihood of wind gusts late Wednesday night into Thursday
from 45 to 55 mph, perhaps a shade higher.  ANY falling snow which
occurs during this window will be of great concern for potential
blizzard conditions.

.LONG TERM...(Thursday night through Tuesday)
Issued at 519 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

Very little consideration to forecast beyond the storm.  Temps look
to remain generally below normal until at least sometime next week
under impacts of northwest flow.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Thursday morning)
Issued at 636 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

Widespread LIFR conditions are expected through early afternoon
due to dense fog and heavy rain. RA and TSRA will continue to
increase in coverage through this evening at all sites. MVFR to
IFR conditions will be possible with rain/thunderstorms and late
this evening.Low level shear of 40-50 knots at 1000-1500 ft are
expected this afternoon at KFSD and KSUX terminal. After a brief
MVFR period this evening, IFR to LIFR levels return at all sites,
mainly after midnight.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Flood Watch through Thursday evening for SDZ062>071.

     Dense Fog Advisory until 1 PM CDT this afternoon for SDZ038>040-
     053>056-058>062-064>071.

     Winter Storm Watch from late tonight through Thursday evening
     for SDZ039-040-054-055-059>061-065-068.

     Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
     evening for SDZ056-062-066-067-069>071.

     Winter Weather Advisory from 10 PM this evening to 7 PM CDT
     Thursday for SDZ053-058-064.

     Flood Watch from 10 AM CDT this morning through Thursday evening
     for SDZ038>040-050-052>061.

     Winter Storm Warning until 7 PM CDT Thursday for SDZ038-050-052-
     057-063.

MN...Flood Watch through Thursday evening for MNZ089-090-098.

     Dense Fog Advisory until 1 PM CDT this afternoon for MNZ071-072-
     080-081-089-090-097-098.

     Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
     evening for MNZ071-072-080-089-097-098.

     Flood Watch from 10 AM CDT this morning through Thursday evening
     for MNZ071-072-080-081-097.

IA...Flood Watch through Thursday evening for IAZ001>003-012>014-
     020>022-031-032.

     Dense Fog Advisory until 1 PM CDT this afternoon for IAZ001>003-
     012>014-020>022-031-032.

     Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
     evening for IAZ001-012.

NE...Flood Watch through Thursday evening for NEZ013-014.

     Dense Fog Advisory until 1 PM CDT this afternoon for NEZ013-014.

     Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
     evening for NEZ013.

&&

SHORT TERM...Chapman
LONG TERM...Chapman
AVIATION...05

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 13, 5:24 AM CST, 36 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
624 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

SDZ038-050-052-053-057>059-063-064-141130-
Beadle-Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Charles Mix-
Douglas-
624 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central South
Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota,
and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Dense fog will persist this morning, with improving visibility as
rainfall develops this morning. As this precipitation spreads
north this morning, there will be potential for a brief period of
light freezing rain in areas north of Interstate 90 from
Chamberlain to Huron, bringing perhaps a tenth of an inch of icing
before temperatures warm above freezing.

Most of the day will feature rainfall, which could be moderate to heavy
at times. An inch or two of rainfall is possible today into this
evening, which will likely, when combined with melting snow,
result in ponding of water on roadways and poor drainage areas,
as well as rises in areas rivers and streams.

Tonight, precipitation will change from rain to snow, with
potentially a brief period of freezing rain in transition. North
winds will increase, reaching 30 to 40 mph by later tonight. When
combined with expected snowfall from one to three inches, this
will create very hazardous, if not impossible travel conditions.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Wind gusts will reach 55 to 60 mph on Thursday, as snowfall
continues through the morning hours. Periods of visibility of one
half mile or less are likely through the day, especially through
midday. Difficult if not impossible travel conditions are likely.
Total snow accumulations will be from 2 to 4 inches.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

IAZ001-012-MNZ071-072-080-089-097-098-NEZ013-SDZ039-040-054>056-
060>062-065>071-141130-
Lyon IA-Sioux-Lincoln MN-Lyon MN-Murray-Nobles-Pipestone-Rock-
Dixon-Kingsbury-Brookings-Miner-Lake-Moody-Hanson-McCook-
Minnehaha-Hutchinson-Turner-Lincoln SD-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay SD-
Union-
624 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa,
southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, east central South
Dakota, and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Dense fog will persist this morning, with improving visibility as
rainfall develops this morning. Moderate to heavy rainfall is
likely, along with a few rumbles of thunder. An inch or two of
rainfall is possible today into this evening, which will likely,
when combined with melting snow, result in ponding of water on
roadways and poor drainage areas, as well as rises in areas rivers
and streams.

Precipitation should begin to transition over from rain to snow
later tonight in areas from Brookings to Mitchell to Tyndall.
There may be a brief period of light wintry mix in transition.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

The transition to snow will occur quickly in the remainder of
areas on Thursday morning, as wind increase and gust to 50 to 60
mph at times later morning and through the afternoon. Visibility
of less than a half mile is likely at times of snowfall, and could
become blizzard or near blizzard. Travel conditions will be very
difficult and highly dangerous at best.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

IAZ002-003-013-014-020>022-031-032-MNZ081-090-NEZ014-141130-
Osceola-Dickinson-O'Brien-Clay IA-Plymouth-Cherokee-Buena Vista-
Woodbury-Ida-Cottonwood-Jackson-Dakota-
624 AM CDT Wed Mar 13 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa,
west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Nebraska.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Dense fog will persist this morning, with improving visibility as
rainfall develops this morning. Rainfall will be moderate to
heavy at times, along with a few rumbles of thunder. An inch or
two of rainfall is possible today into this evening, which will
likely, when combined with melting snow, result in ponding of
water on roadways and poor drainage areas, as well as rises in
areas rivers and streams.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Precipitation will gradually change over to snow by midday or
early afternoon on Thursday. Very strong winds of 50 to 60 mph
will also develop by this time, and will combine with
precipitation to produce very hazardous conditions. At this time,
an inch or less snowfall is forecast, but if more snow falls than
expected, then a possibility for highly dangerous conditions
exists with very low visibility at times.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

43 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Ida

When: March 13, 6:00 AM CST to March 16, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Ida County, 2.31 mi NNW of Ida Grove to 2.47 mi WSW of Battle Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.380, -95.490

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 0.77 inches 3 miles northeast of Battle Creek and 1.42 inches 4 miles south southeast of Arthur) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Levees in Ida Grove were nearly topped. Iowa Highway 175 was closed between Ida Grove and Battle Creek due to water flowing over the roadway. The Maple River at Ida Grove (gage site MIGI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 9.76 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Woodbury

When: March 13, 7:00 AM CST to March 14, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 5.55 mi N of Lawton to 5.62 mi SW of Bronson
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.560, -96.190

Snow melt and heavy rainfall resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, as well as inundation of Emmett Avenue north of Lawton. Elliot Creek at Lawton (gage site ECLI4) reached the third highest stage on record cresting 4.90 feet above flood stage on March 13.

Flood, Dickinson

When: March 13, 8:00 AM CST to March 23, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 3.66 mi SW of Montgomery to 3.77 mi ENE of Lake Park
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.400, -95.260

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.20 inches at Lake Park and 1.78 inches 4 miles northwest of Milford) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, with water inundating 125th St. northeast of Lake Park. The West Fork of the Little Sioux River near Lake Park (gage site LPRI4) crested once on March 14 at moderate flood stage, and then reached the second highest stage on record cresting 2.79 feet above flood stage on March 18.

Flood, O'Brien

When: March 13, 8:00 AM CST to March 19, 12:00 PM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 4.1 mi NE of Sutherland to 5.76 mi ENE of Sutherland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.010, -95.440

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.48 inches at Primghar) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Waterman Creek near Sutherland (gage site SWCI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 4.83 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 10:00 AM CST to March 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, 4.27 mi NE of Rock Vly to 5.34 mi NE of Rock Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.250, -96.250

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.82 inches at Sheldon and 1.51 inches at Rock Valley) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Burr Oak Creek above Perkins (gage site BOCI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 3.45 feet above flood stage on March 13.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 13, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 3.49 mi S of Adaville to 4.01 mi W of Hinton
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.700, -96.390

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.52 inches near Le Mars and 1.97 inches near Sioux Center) resulted in flooding of agricultural lands. Perry Creek near Hinton (gage site PCHI4) reached a crest 2.43 feet above flood stage on March 13.

Flood, Dickinson

When: March 13, 11:00 AM CST to March 31, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 3.77 mi WSW of Montgomery to 1.47 mi SW of Fuller Fld Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.410, -95.270

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.78 inches 4 miles northwest of Milford and 1.59 inches 3 miles south southeast of Lake Park) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and several county roads. Little Sioux River near Milford (gage site MIFI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 6.02 feet above flood stage on March 18.

Flood, Clay

When: March 13, 11:00 AM CST to March 31, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 4.79 mi W of Fostoria to 0.6 mi NE of Everly
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.255, -95.265

Flood, Woodbury

When: March 13, 11:30 AM CST to March 16, 2:30 AM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.65 mi WSW of Climbing Hill to 0.86 mi W of Holly Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.340, -96.130

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.74 inches near Holly Springs) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, along with Grundy Avenue, 300th and 310th Streets. The town of Hornick was evacuated when the levees were overtopped by water. The West Fork Ditch of the Little Sioux River near Hornick (gage site HOKI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 6.60 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 11:45 AM CST to March 18, 10:15 AM CST
Where: Sioux County, 0.5 mi W of Newkirk to 0.5 mi SE of Orange City
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.070, -95.960

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.82 inches at Sheldon and 1.97 inches near Sioux Center) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and numerous county roads. Sections of Indian Avenue and 390th Street east of Sioux Center were washed out. Water over State Highway 60 forced closure for several days from 2 miles north of Le Mars to near Alton. The Floyd River at Alton (gage site ALTI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 8.64 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Ida

When: March 13, 12:45 PM CST to March 24, 7:30 AM CST
Where: Ida County, 11.22 mi WNW of Holstein to 9.02 mi WNW of Holstein
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.560, -95.742

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.20 inches at Holstein) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and several state and county roads. Iowa Highway 31 was overtopped, and water flowed into southern sections of Correctionville impacting several homes and businesses. The Little Sioux River at Correctionville (gage site CRRI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 7.45 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Woodbury

When: March 13, 12:45 PM CST to March 24, 7:30 AM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 5.14 mi E of Pierson to 6.27 mi SW of Anthon
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.560, -95.780

Flood, O'Brien

When: March 13, 1:00 PM CST to March 28, 8:00 AM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 3.61 mi E of Sutherland to 6.94 mi SE of Sutherland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.960, -95.430

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.67 inches at Cherokee) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and numerous state, county and township roads. The Little Sioux River at Cherokee (gage site CHKI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 11.40 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Cherokee

When: March 13, 1:00 PM CST to March 28, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 4.11 mi NE of Larrabee to 7.61 mi SE of Mary Hill
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.910, -95.470

Flood, O'Brien

When: March 13, 2:00 PM CST to March 14, 8:00 AM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 0.83 mi SSE of Sheldon to 3.32 mi S of Sheldon
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.170, -95.862

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.82 inches at Sheldon and 1.92 inches at Sanborn) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. On the evening of March 13, water flowing over 330th St. near the intersection with Oak Hill Avenue east of Sheldon washed a car off the road, and a fast moving water rescue of the driver was necessary. The Little Floyd River near Sanborn (gage site LFSI4) reached a crest 0.75 feet above flood stage on March 13.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 13, 2:00 PM CST to March 17, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 4.11 mi E of Struble to 6.3 mi N of Le Mars Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.910, -96.100

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.52 inches near Le Mars) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. A few county roads near Le Mars were inundated, including 160th St. near Highway 60. Water covered a large amount of the airport near crest time. The recreation trail along the river was destroyed, and most bridges damaged at the municipal golf course. A gas line was sheared off by ice moving through the flood waters, severing service to 95 residences. The Floyd River at Le Mars (gage site LMRI4) reached the third highest stage on record cresting 5.84 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Lyon

When: March 13, 3:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 2.52 mi NW of Granite to 2.1 mi NW of Granite
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -96.599

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.74 inches at Hartford, 2.44 inches near Renner, 1.72 inches near Larchwood and 2.49 inches at Sioux Falls) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land and recreational areas near Brandon. The Big Sioux River near Brandon (gage site BBSS2) reached the highest crest on record at 6.85 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river fell back to minor flood stage on March 15, but would rise back to major flood stage and crest 6.58 feet above flood stage on March 26 due to water routed from upstream melting. The river remained in major flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 13, 3:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 5.46 mi N of Akron to 5.78 mi WSW of Akron
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.908, -96.538

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. South Dakota Highway 50 and 48 were both inundated by water for over two weeks, along with the bridge east of Jefferson. The Big Sioux River near Akron (gage site AKRI4) reached the second highest crest on record at 7.82 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 13, 5:00 PM CST to March 16, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 2.13 mi SSW of West Le Mars to 2.13 mi W of Merrill
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.750, -96.230

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.52 inches near Le Mars and 1.63 inches at Remsen) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. State Highway 60 was closed for several days between Merrill and Hinton due to water over the roadway. The Floyd River at Merrill (gage site MRLI4) reached the fourth highest stage on record cresting 5.60 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Clay

When: March 13, 5:00 PM CST to March 15, 9:30 AM CST
Where: Clay County, 2.05 mi SW of Rossie to 2.05 mi SSW of Rossie
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.000, -95.210

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.04 inches 4 miles east of Sioux Rapids) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Willow Creek near Cornell (gage site CWCI4) reached the third highest stage on record cresting 2.75 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 5:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, 4.48 mi WSW of Lebanon to 3.42 mi NW of Hawarden
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.080, -96.454

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Canton) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. Iowa Highway 10 and South Dakota Highway 46 were both inundated by water, along with access from County Road 13 west of Hawarden. The Big Sioux River above Hawarden (gage site HWDI4) reached the highest crest on record at 14.8 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 6:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, 1.58 mi WSW of Fairview to 1.98 mi ESE of Fairview
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.225, -96.530

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.75 inches at Canton and 2.19 inches near Harrisburg) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River at Fairview (gage site FVWS2) reached the highest crest on record at 10.63 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 6:00 PM CST to March 15, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Sioux County, 4.2 mi S of Maurice to 4.2 mi SSE of Maurice
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.909, -96.175

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.97 inches 2 miles southeast of Sioux Center) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Numerous county roads around the gage site were flooded, including Ibex Avenue which sustained damage from the flowing water. The West Branch of the Floyd River near Struble (gage site STUI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 2.41 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 13, 6:00 PM CST to March 15, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 0.7 mi NNW of Struble to 0.68 mi N of Merrill
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.909, -96.186

Flood, O'Brien

When: March 13, 7:00 PM CST to March 15, 2:00 AM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 0.5 mi W of Ritter to 5.55 mi NNE of Sheldon
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.250, -95.840

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.82 inches at Sheldon and 1.92 inches at Sanborn) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. The Floyd River at Sheldon (gage site SHLI4) reached the fourth highest stage on record cresting 1.70 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 13, 7:00 PM CST to March 15, 2:00 AM CST
Where: Sioux County, 1.8 mi NNE of Sheldon to 1.91 mi W of Newkirk
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.205, -95.862

Flood, Dickinson

When: March 13, 8:00 PM CST to March 26, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 5.02 mi NNW of Montgomery to 4.32 mi SE of Lake Park
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.501, -95.221

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.42 inches 2 miles northeast of Lakefield) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and several county roads north of Iowa Highway 9. Little Sioux River near Montgomery (gage site MLSI4) reached the second highest stage on record cresting 3.32 feet above flood stage on March 16.

Flood, Clay

When: March 13, 9:00 PM CST to March 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 5.42 mi NNW of Everly to 5.24 mi NNE of Moneta
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.236, -95.388

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.50 inches 3 miles west northwest of Everly) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. Ocheyedan River near Everly (gage site OREI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 2.88 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Clay

When: March 13, 9:00 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 1.51 mi W of Spencer to 1.71 mi WSW of Dickens
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.150, -95.180

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.27 inches at Spencer) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands and numerous roads around Spencer including U.S. Highways 18 and 71. The Little Sioux River at Spencer (gage site SPWI4) reached the third highest stage on record cresting 7.45 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Lyon

When: March 13, 10:30 PM CST to March 27, 3:30 AM CST
Where: Lyon County, 4.92 mi NW of Rock Rapids Muni Arp to 3.99 mi SSW of Rock Rapids
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.500, -96.250

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.54 inches at Luverne and 1.65 inches at Rock Rapids) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, and flooding into Island Park in Rock Rapids. The Rock River at Rock Rapids (gage site RAPI4) reached the fifth highest stage on record cresting 6.78 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Clay

When: March 13, 10:30 PM CST to March 23, 10:30 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 3.42 mi SE of Everly to 3.02 mi SW of Spencer
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.130, -95.290

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.50 inches 3 miles west northwest of Everly and 1.27 inches at Spencer) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, along with inundation of county roads west of Spencer. Water overflowed bridges on County Road M-38. Ocheyedan River at Spencer (gage site SPOI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 6.75 feet above flood stage on March 14.

Flood, Clay

When: March 14, 12:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 2.53 mi E of Greenville to 2.07 mi WSW of Cornell
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.020, -95.100

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.27 inches at Spencer and 1.04 inches 4 miles east of Sioux Rapids) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural land. The Little Sioux River at Linn Grove (gage site LNNI4) reached the highest stage on record for the fourth time in nine months, cresting 6.13 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Buena Vista

When: March 14, 12:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Buena Vista County, 3.66 mi NE of Sioux Rapids to 1.67 mi WNW of Linn Grove
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.910, -95.090

Flood, O'Brien

When: March 14, 12:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 3.61 mi E of Sutherland to 5.76 mi ESE of Sutherland
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.960, -95.430

Flood, Lyon

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 0.38 mi NNE of Klondike to 1.5 mi WSW of Inwood
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.385, -96.527

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.75 inches at Canton and 2.19 inches near Harrisburg) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. An operational railroad bridge was completely washed out by flood waters. The Big Sioux River above Canton (gage site CBSS2) reached the third highest crest on record at 9.68 feet above flood stage on March 15. The river remained in major flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, 3.46 mi NW of Fairview to 2.28 mi WNW of Fairview
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.260, -96.555

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 14, 2:00 AM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 2.13 mi NW of Westfield to 1.47 mi WNW of Westfield
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.774, -96.626

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.12 inches at Hawarden and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. South Dakota Highway 50 and Iowa Highway 3 were both inundated by water for numerous days, with several farm buildings engulfed in flood waters. The Big Sioux River near Richland (gage site BSRS2) reached the second highest crest on record at 7.5 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in moderate flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 16, 4:30 AM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 0.51 mi W of Hinton to 1.53 mi NW of James
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.630, -96.310

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.52 inches near Le Mars) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands, as well as county road C70. The Floyd River at James (gage site JMEI4) reached the highest stage on record cresting 5.48 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Woodbury

When: March 14, 3:00 AM CST to March 16, 4:30 AM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.21 mi N of Leeds to 3.23 mi WNW of Leeds
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.562, -96.373

Flood, Lyon

When: March 14, 5:00 AM CST to March 19, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 3.58 mi E of Alvord to 2.81 mi SE of Inwood
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.340, -96.250

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 1.65 inches at Rock Rapids and 1.51 inches at Rock Valley) resulted in significant flooding of agricultural lands. North Main Street in Rock Valley was evacuated between 17th and 20th Street, and U.S. Highway 18 west of Rock Valley was closed between March 14-16 due to water flowing over the roadway. Flooding concerns led to cancellation of school in Rock Valley on Friday, March 15. The Rock River at Rock Valley (gage site RKVI4) reached the third highest stage on record cresting 4.61 feet above flood stage on March 15.

Flood, Sioux

When: March 14, 5:00 AM CST to March 19, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, 5.59 mi NW of Rock Vly to 5.33 mi NW of Rock Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 43.258, -96.377

Flood, Plymouth

When: March 15, 1:30 PM CST to March 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 2.54 mi W of Millnerville to 2.29 mi WSW of Millnerville
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.680, -96.550

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.46 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point and 1.75 inches at Akron) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River near Jefferson (gage site BSJS2) reached the highest crest on record at 9.4 feet above flood stage on March 16. The river remained in minor flood stage at the end of the month.

Flood, Woodbury

When: March 16, 6:00 AM CST to March 19, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 6.89 mi WNW of Leeds to 5.67 mi WNW of Leeds
Cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 42.560, -96.499

Snow melt and heavy rainfall (measured 2.46 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point and 1.60 inches 2 miles northwest of Jefferson) resulted in extensive flooding of agricultural land in the flood plain. The Big Sioux River at Sioux City (gage site SXCI4) reached the second highest crest on record at 5.42 feet above flood stage on March 17.

What these are

Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history Warnings in Iowa, March 2019

Sources

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: 827312, 826930, 826925, 826928, 826536, 826539, 827159, 827160, 827311, 826901, 827213, 827215, 827168, 827210, 826881, 826905, 826222, 826410, 826910, 826929, 826260, 826255, 826892, 826894, 826895, 826897, 826931, 826926, 827161, 826532, 826927, 827162, 827163, 827166, 826237, 826241, 826416, 827344, 827345, 826533, and more.