This spring is now the wettest on record in Iowa. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says statewide average rainfall of more than 16.4 inches is the most rain in March, April and May in 141 years of records. The previous record was 15.5 inches in 1892 and normal is just over 10 inches.
That explains why Iowa rivers are overflowing shutting down roads, flooding basements, and sending emergency managers into flood planning mode.
Gov. Terry Branstad has issued a disaster proclamation for 13 Iowa counties due to recent storms and flooding.
Branstad made the proclamation Tuesday. Counties covered are: Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Floyd, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Mahaska, Marshall, Plymouth, Sioux, Tama and Wright. State resources will be deployed to these counties to help recover from the storms. Assistance will include help with removing debris and wreckage.
Low-income households in these counties can apply for grants to help cover the cost of home repairs or other expenses.
The worry is another storm system is bearing down on Iowa bringing the potential for heavy rain.
One factor that may have prevented a devastating flood so far is last year’s drought but that benefit has faded and Iowa is at a tipping point for major flooding if heavy rain comes in the wrong places.
Topics Flood
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