If you live in Iowa, chances are you’ve been affected by floods and flash floods. With so many rivers, reservoirs, man-made lakes and dams throughout our state, plus miles of flat farmland, the threat of flooding is one we deal with every single year. Take some time to learn about the dangers of flooding and flash floods in Iowa so you can be prepared.
Now that spring is here and the storms are starting to kick up, it’s time to start preparing for the water to rise again.
Flickr / Synthesizers
Most Iowans remember the destructive floods of 1993 and the incredible damage they caused.
Flickr / Alan Light
These historic floods lasted for months, and the Coralville Dam overflowed the spillway for the first time since the dam was built in the 1940s.
Flickr / Alan Light
While the destruction of the Coralville Flood of 1993 (and years later, in 2008) will never be forgotten, overflow floods like this are not the most dangerous type of flood.
Flickr / Alan Light
Because of the way floods are caused by long periods of steady rain and slowly rising water levels, typical flooding gives people time to move to higher ground and do their best to protect their belongings. Roads can be closed at the first sign of trouble.
Flickr / Alan Light
The most dangerous type of flood happens when storms whip up along the prairie and drop torrential rainfall, suddenly, and with little warning.
Flickr / Rich
Flash floods are so dangerous because they sweep through without warning. They quickly rush down rivers and through urban streets, wiping away with force anything in their path.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Flash floods in Iowa can cause tremendous damage in a very short period of time, often with little warning. Be sure you pay attention to local water levels and weather alerts and be prepared to move if you get a flash flood warning.
Flickr / Christine
Now is the time to check your weather radio batteries and be sure it’s working properly. Install an alert app on your phone, and consider moving valuables to higher places in your house.
Flickr / James Case
While flash floods often come without much warning, if you pay attention to forecasts you can stay ahead of them as much as possible. And remember – if you see a flooded roadway, turn around! No amount of water is safe to drive through.
Flickr / Synthesizers
Flickr / Alan Light
Flickr / Rich
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Flickr / Christine
Flickr / James Case
Stay safe out there, Hawkeyes!
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