Flooding

Hazard Services – Improving Hazard Communication

Currently, National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters must use several different software applications to compose and provide warnings, watches and advisories and related information for hazardous weather.  Each tool also has different abilities to support the forecasters in their decision-making.  Since each tool is uniquely designed, forecasters must learn each one and be able to quickly switch between them multiple times while on duty.

Hazard Services–an AWIPS software application presently in development–is an integral part of the NWS’s Weather-Ready Nation vision.  Hazard Services represents a paradigm shift in how the NWS will communicate hazard information and aims to streamline NWS operations by integrating the functionality of the aforementioned tools into a single interface for providing timely, accurate and actionable hazard information.  Within this single interface, Hazard Services will analyze data from various inputs and assist the forecaster in diagnosing and communicating the hazard information.  In addition, Hazard Services will also shift the present focus on legacy text products to multiple pathways of communication such as social media, cell phones, graphics, text and XML.  Thus, Hazard Services will act as a conduit for transforming leading-edge science into timely, accurate and actionable information to the end user in ways that meet their needs.

Hazard Services is also designed to be highly configurable, flexible and extensible.  While work continues on the operational version for NWS local forecast offices, experimental efforts are underway to extend Hazard Services to regional and National offices such as River Forecast Centers and National Centers.  An added advantage of using the same application across various levels of the NWS is the opportunity to share forecast information for consistency and collaboration which will help facilitate a unified NWS message.

Thus far, most of the Hazard Services development and testing work has involved hydrologic hazards such as river floods and flash floods.  Hydrologic hazards were chosen for the initial work because local NWS offices presently use three different software applications to inform its partners and users about them—the most of any hazard.  All other weather-related hazards require only one or two of the three software applications.  In addition, hydrologic hazards have uniquely complicated considerations regarding watches, warnings, advisories and outlooks for them.  Once the complexities of the three different software applications—as well as the inherent complexities of hydrologic hazards can be successfully addressed—then the lessons learned can be used address the other weather-related hazards.

Jeff Zogg, Senior Service Hydrologist at NWS Des Moines has been involved in Hazard Services development and testing for a few years.  He also participates in the national Hazard Services Tiger and Test Teams.  These teams help guide software enhancements, fixes and tests.  Jeff has also participated in some of these tests.  During the tests Jeff was part of a group of approximately five people who used Hazard Services as they would during an actual hazardous weather event.  The tests lasted around two to three days and used weather and water data from actual past events.  Testers documented software performance and stability issues—as well as enhancement suggestions—and then submitted them to the Tiger Team for prioritization on the list of items for software developers to address.

To date, 16 formal tests have occurred.  Two additional tests are planned through mid-September.  Within the several months, a readiness review will be conducted to determine if the process can move to the next step which involves assessment tests at four or five different sites around the country.  There, Hazard Services will be put through additional rigorous but longer-term testing for a variety of different hazards.  Once Hazard Services passes another readiness review after that step, it will be tested at local NWS offices.  A final readiness review will then determine if and when Hazard Services will be ready to become operational and thus replace the existing software applications.  Although the exact timetable of these steps is unknown, it is hoped to be completed within the next few years.

Blog post by Jeff Zogg, Senior Service Hydrologist, NWS Des Moines

Monday…Flash Flooding

TADD

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service have declared the week of March 23 through March 27, 2015 Severe Weather Awareness Week. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an annual event to remind Iowans that severe weather is part of living in our state and that understanding the risks and how to respond to them can save lives. Each morning during severe weather awareness week, we’ll be focusing on a different severe weather topic. The topics this year include:

  • Monday – Flash Flooding
  • Tuesday – Warning Reception
  • Wednesday – Tornadoes
  • Thursday – Severe Thunderstorms
  • Friday – Family Preparedness

FlashFloodRisks2Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard, resulting in more than 140 fatalities each year. The majority of flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that redevelop over the same area, or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover.

What is a Flash Flood? DidYouKnow2

A flash flood is a rapid rise of water along a stream or low-lying urban area. Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Flash flood-producing rains also can trigger catastrophic mud slides.

Flash Flood Myths versus Facts Matching Game

MythsVersusFacts2MythsVSFactsAnswerKey

ANSWER KEY ->

Almost half of all flash flood fatalities east year occur in vehicles. Many folks don’t realize that just 2 feet of water flowing over the road can sweep away a vehicle. Sometimes even less water if the water is flowing rapidly! Even SUVs and trucks can be swept away with a flash flood. Water can cause significant structural damage to roads and bridges, creating very unsafe driving conditions. Underpasses can fill up quickly with water and driving into one could put yourself into six feet of water very fast. Many flash flood, and thus flash flood related deaths, occur at night as the roads and water are difficult to see. This is especially true in Iowa as a high percentage of heavy rain events occur with the sunset.

FlashFloodSafety

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Flash Flooding

 

What is a Flash Flood Watch and Warning? And what actions should be done when NWS issues a Flash Flood Watch or Warning?

FlashFloodWarning3

FlashFloodWatch3

NWS Des Moines at Iowa Homeland Security Conference

Staff members from both WFO Des Moines IA and WFO Quad Cities IA/IL participated in the 11th annual Iowa Homeland Security Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 21-22, 2014. They led an invited breakout session titled “National Weather Service Support Services in Times of Disaster.”

During the session Melinda Beerends (General Forecaster/WFO Des Moines) and Jeff Zogg (Senior Service Hydrologist/NWS Des Moines) discussed Decision Support Services and related tools the NWS can provide before, during and after weather-related and weather-sensitive events. In addition, they used mock scenarios to highlight the potential utility of NWS Decision Support Services and tools. They also engaged the audience to better understand the needs of NWS Emergency Management partners. The breakout session was well-attended and generated positive feedback as well as subsequent discussions between conference participants and NWS staff. Melinda and Jeff were joined by Ken Harding (MIC/WFO Des Moines), Donna Dubberke (WCM, WFO Quad Cities IA/IL) and David Cousins (Meteorologist/WFO Quad Cities IA/IL).

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Melinda Beerends, General Forecaster, discusses NWS decision support resources with emergency managers.

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Jeff Zogg, Senior Hydrologist, discusses NWS decision support resources with emergency managers.

August 23, 2014 – Iowa Heavy Rain Event Summary

Here’s a look at radar estimated precipitation products and rainfall/flash flood reports from heavy rain event across portions of central Iowa on August 23, 2014.

Q3 radar estimated rainfall from midnight to 6 pm CDT on August 23, 2014. Image courtesy Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Q3 radar estimated rainfall from midnight to 6 pm CDT on August 23, 2014. Image courtesy Iowa Environmental Mesonet.

Q3 radar estimated precipitation.

MRMS (Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor System) Q3 24-hour estimated precipitation across central to southern Iowa. Time ending at 3 PM CDT (20z 8/23/2014). This image is a different color curve and a zoomed in from the image above. You can find more detailed information from the MRMS website on how Q3 works: http://nmq.ou.edu/

Dual pol storm total accumulation from August 23, 2014.

Dual-pol storm total accumulation from August 23, 2014. This dual-pol product provides an estimate of how much rain has fallen since the beginning of a precipitation event. Follow this link here for more details on dual-pol products: http://www.wdtb.noaa.gov/courses/dualpol/
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jan/?n=dualpolupgrade-products#dsa

Google Map of Storm Reports from 8/23/2014

Google Map (Alternate Version) of Storm Reports from 8/23/2014

Text Summary of Storm Reports

 Blog post by Kenny Podrazik

Call for Flood Photos Across Central Iowa

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Des Moines, Iowa is compiling a database of flood impacts within their respective Hydrologic Service Area (HSA).  River basins within the Des Moines HSA include:

  • Des Moines and its tributaries
    • Raccoon River
      • North Raccoon River
      • Middle Raccoon River
      • South Raccoon River
    • East Fork Des Moines River
    • Boone River
    • Beaver Creek
    • Walnut Creek
    • Fourmile Creek
    • North River
    • Middle River
    • South River
    • Cedar Creek
    • White Breast Creek
    • English Creek
  • Cedar River and its tributaries
    • Winnebago River
    • Shell Rock River
    • Beaver Creek
    • Blackhawk Creek
    • West Fork Cedar River
  • Iowa River and tributaries
    • South Fork Iowa River
  • South Skunk River and tributaries
    • Squaw Creek
    • Indian Creek
  • Chariton River and tributaries
    • South Fork Chariton River
    • Thompson River
    • East Fork 102 River

For more information on the locations of these rivers, please refer to the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service on the Des Moines National Weather Service homepage.

 When submitting flood photos, please reference the location where the picture was taken, the time and date of the picture, and the specific river or creek name.

The National Weather Service uses pictures for research, education, and to improve upon the quality of their river forecast products to better serve the public, other governmental agencies, and private companies.   The National Weather Service will give credit to the photographer if your photo is used externally.

With the expected flooding across central Iowa, it would be a tremendous help to the National Weather Service with submitting photos of impacts from the river basins mentioned above or their respective smaller tributaries.  Some examples of the type of pictures we are requesting are on the second page.  We are looking for specific impacts due to river flooding.  For instance, if the river covers a bridge or a road, floods a residential or commercial building(s), affects a significant amount of farmland, and any other impacts that you think would be pertinent.  This would include flooding due to ice jams and snow melt.

Please submit pictures via email to DMX.Spotterreport@noaa.gov with the subject titled Impact Flooding Pictures or post the images on our Facebook Page  or Tweet to us @NWSDesMoines

A hard copy or copies are always welcome and can be sent to our office:     9607 NW Beaver Drive, Johnston, IA 50131

Beaver Creek on NW 62nd Avenue in Johnston, IA. Photo taken approximately 10:30 a.m. on June 1, 2008. Photo by Anne Taylor

Beaver Creek on NW 62nd Avenue in Johnston, IA. Photo taken approximately 10:30 a.m. on June 1, 2008. Photo by Anne Taylor

Iowa River at Rowan on March 16, 2010 along 200th street. Flood due to snow melt.

Iowa River at Rowan on March 16, 2010 along 200th street. Flood due to snow melt.

Des Moines River at Highway T17 just south of Pella in Marion County, IA. Photo taken on June 19, 2008 at approximately 1 p.m. CDT

Des Moines River at Highway T17 just south of Pella in Marion County, IA. Photo taken on June 19, 2008 at approximately 1 p.m. CDT

Iowa River on Highway 14 just north of Marshalltown on June 8, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. CDT. Photo by Wayne Fass

Iowa River on Highway 14 just north of Marshalltown on June 8, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. CDT. Photo by Wayne Fass

 

Des Moines Weather Forecast Office Hydrologic Service Area. If you have any photos near any of these Forecast or Data Points, please submit them to DMX.spotterreport@noaa.gov

Des Moines Weather Forecast Office Hydrologic Service Area. If you have any photos near any of these Forecast or Data Points, please submit them to DMX.spotterreport@noaa.gov or send them via Twitter or Facebook.

NWS Des Moines Recollects on the 2008 Record Flood

Total precipitation from June 1 to June 15, 2008. Map courtesy of Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/

Total precipitation from June 1 to June 15, 2008. Map courtesy of Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/

This is the Union Pacific Bridge over the Cedar River in Waterloo. The bridge was partially damaged by the record flooding back in June of 2008. The crest at Waterloo was 27.01 feet on June 11, 2008. Previous record was 21.86 feet on March 29, 1961.

This is the Union Pacific Bridge over the Cedar River in Waterloo. The bridge was partially damaged by the record flooding back in June of 2008. The crest at Waterloo was 27.01 feet on June 11, 2008. Previous record was 21.86 feet on March 29, 1961. Image courtesy of Morgan Hawthorne – Waterloo Courier.Des Moines River at 2nd Avenue looking downstream. Photo taken by Ken Podrazik/Karl Jungbluth on June 12, 2008. The crest at this location was 31.57 feet and occurred on Friday June 13, 2008. The record crest was 31.71 feet on July 11, 1993.

Des Moines River at 2nd Avenue looking downstream. Photo taken by Ken Podrazik/Karl Jungbluth on June 12, 2008. The crest at this location was 31.57 feet and occurred on Friday June 13, 2008. The record crest was 31.71 feet on July 11, 1993.
DMOI4-June12-2008-resize

Rocking Chair 2nd and Hickman

The blue circle on the Google map above is location of this picture directly below it. This was taken along the Des Moines River on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Hickman Road in downtown Des Moines which is the location of the USGS river gauge and river forecast point DMOI4. The picture was taken on June 12, 2008, around 1530 UTC (10:30 a.m. CDT). The stage at 1100 UTC (6 a.m. CDT) that morning was 28.89 feet, while the stage the following morning on the 13th was 31.17 feet at 1100 UTC (6 a.m. CDT). The flow was 48,100 CFS on the morning of the 12th, and increased to 51,300 CFS by the morning of the 13th. Another way to see CFS is to relate cubic feet to a basketball. So, imagine a wall of 51,300 basketballs (1 basketball = 1 cubic foot) flowing past the rocking chair every second. The distance from the bank of the river to the blue circle is nearly the length of a football field. The Des Moines River crested at 31.57 feet on the 13th at around 1800 UTC (1 p.m. CDT), which eventually rose further up the driveway engulfing the location of the rocking chair.

Video of the Des Moines River on June 19, 2008 at the USGS river gauge in Tracy, Iowa (TRCI4). The flow, measured in cubic feet per second (CFS), was 85,600 and the height of the river was 22.4 feet. The crest of 23.70 feet occurred on June 14, 2008, but this was a great example of what 85,000 CFS looked like up close. The video was taken on an old railroad bridge right by the wire weight, which is seen at the beginning and end of the video.  At this site, the USACE estimated that the crest would have been 3 to 4 feet higher if there was no Red Rock Reservoir.

Meteorologist Ken Podrazik helps save the Marshalltown NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter from the Iowa River Flooding. June 9, 2008. Photo by Dave Reese - ESA

Meteorologist Ken Podrazik helps rescue the Marshalltown NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter from the Iowa River Flooding. June 9, 2008. Photo by Dave Reese – ESA Dave Reese - NWS Des Moines Electronics Systems Analysts treads flooded water from the Iowa River at Marshalltown. The small building at the right is where the Marshalltown NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter is located. There was already about a foot of flood water into the building. Photo taken June 9, 2008 by Ken Podrazik.

Dave Reese – NWS Des Moines Electronics Systems Analysts treads flooded water from the Iowa River at Marshalltown. The small building at the right is where the Marshalltown NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter is located. There was already about a foot of flood water into the building. Photo taken June 9, 2008 by Ken Podrazik.
The NWS Des Moines Office on June 9, 2008. Roger Vachalek on the left and Rich Kinney (now at DVN) on the right.

The NWS Des Moines Office on June 9, 2008. Roger Vachalek on the left and Rich Kinney (now at NWS Quad Cities) on the right. The NWS Des Moines meteorologists put multiple long days during the month of June 2008 including staffing the State Emergency Operations Center 24-hours a day for a 10 day period during the height of the flood.

The Cedar River Basin was hit the hardest with several record crests that occurred in mid-June of 2008.  The Des Moines and Iowa River Basin received moderate to major flooding, but few records were set in 2008.

Cedar River Basin crest records set in 2008.

Cedar River Basin crest records set in 2008.

Flood stages raised since 2008.

Flood stages raised since 2008.

Main Street Bridge in Cedar Falls, Iowa in mid-June 2008. Photo courtesy of Gaylen Isely

Main Street Bridge in Cedar Falls, Iowa in mid-June 2008. Photo courtesy of Gaylen Isely

Waverly, Iowa in mid-June 2008. Photo courtesy Reynolds Cramer.

Waverly, Iowa in mid-June 2008. Photo courtesy Reynolds Cramer.

A few other locations, other than in the Cedar Basin, set new crest records. However, two of these set new records in 2010.

A few other locations, other than in the Cedar Basin, set new crest records. However, two of these set new records in 2010.
The Des Moines River over Highway 65 southeast of Des Moines on June 14, 2008. Photo courtesy of the Civil Air Patrol.

The Des Moines River over Highway 65 southeast of Des Moines on June 14, 2008. Photo courtesy of the Civil Air Patrol.

Hydrograph (in cubic feet per second-CFS) of the Cedar River at Waterloo during the month of June 2008. The crest was roughly 104,000 CFS or cubic feet per second on June 11, 2008. To visualize what CFS, a cubic foot is roughly the size of a basketball or a gallon jug of milk. Imagine a wall of 104,000 basketballs/milk jubs each second flowing past a certain point on the river. Pretty impressive.

Hydrograph (in cubic feet per second-CFS) of the Cedar River at Waterloo during the month of June 2008. The crest was roughly 104,000 CFS or cubic feet per second on June 11, 2008. To visualize what CFS, a cubic foot is roughly the size of a basketball or a gallon jug of milk. Imagine a wall of 104,000 basketballs/milk jubs each second flowing past a certain point on the river. Pretty impressive.

New Flood Preparedness Tool Available for Waterloo

LogoCombos-NWS-ALO-IFC

June 11, 2014 Jeff Zogg
Nathan Young
Jamie Knutson		 515-270-4501
319-384-1732
319-291-4312		 jeff.zogg@noaa.gov
nathan-young@uiowa.edu
jamie.knutson@waterloo-ia.org

A dynamic, new online flood preparedness tool which will help emergency managers improve flood warnings and response has been developed for the Cedar River at Waterloo, Iowa.

The National Weather Service collaborated with the Iowa Flood Center to develop a library of flood inundation maps.  The final version of these flood inundation maps are the culmination of a partnership between the Iowa Flood Center (IFC), the City of Waterloo, the NOAA Central Region – Regional Collaboration Team and the National Weather Service (NWS).  This capability will help communicate the residual flood risks for areas behind the city’s levee and the additional flooding from Black Hawk Creek, a tributary to the Cedar.

Because this new tool is so critical during floods, it is available from two sources.  The first source is the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) Web site.  On the AHPS page for the Cedar River at Waterloo, click on the tab near the top of the page named “Inundation Mapping.”  The direct link is http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/inundation/inundation_google.php?gage=aloi4 .  The second source is the Iowa Flood Center’s Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS).  The direct link is http://ifis.iowafloodcenter.org/ifis/en/ .  Go to the Flood Maps section on the right hand side of the page and select Waterloo.

Flood inundation maps help people visualize the potential extent of flooding at various river levels.  This information can assist in planning and mitigation decisions.

Dr. Nathan Young, Associate Director of the Iowa Flood Center, said the IFC has been developing flood inundation maps since the IFC’s inception in 2009.  “This is an opportunity for us to apply research that is useful and meaningful for Iowans,” he said.  “These detailed maps demonstrate the extent of the flooded landscape with every twelve-inch rise in the flood level.  We believe this information will empower communities and individuals to make informed decisions about their flood risks.”

Jeff Zogg, Senior Hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Des Moines, said the development of the Waterloo flood inundation maps was a team effort which resulted in valuable tools for people in the Waterloo area.  “Many people worked together to make these maps available.  We especially appreciate the involvement of local community officials in Waterloo.  These maps will help the NWS provide enhanced decision support services to people there.”

Jamie Knutson, Waterloo Flood Engineer said that the flood inundation maps will be valuable for multiple reasons.  “The flood inundation maps will allow for better long range planning and allow for better decision making early on in the flood for which areas may need to be evacuated.  This will be a nice addition to our flood fighting tools.”

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories.  The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and to enhance the national economy.  The NWS provides decision support services as well as enhanced services to local, state, and regional decision makers.  For other locations where flood inundation maps are available see the National Weather Service AHPS Web site.

The Iowa Flood Center is part of IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, a research institute based at the University of Iowa’s College of Engineering.  The IFC provides accurate, state-of-the-science-based information to help Iowans better understand their flood risks.  It is the nation’s first academic center devoted solely to the study of floods.  Additional IFC resources—including flood inundation maps for other Iowa communities—can be found on the Iowa Flood Center Web site.

The City of Waterloo has 20 miles of levees and flood walls to help protect its citizens from the Cedar River.  In order to operate the levee system, a number of different City departments are involved during a flood including Engineering, Public Works, Waste Management, Leisure Services, Police and Fire.  More information about the City of Waterloo and its departments can be found on the City of Waterloo Web site.

The Waterloo flood inundation maps are based on observations and forecasts involving readings from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gage along the Cedar River at Waterloo.  More information about USGS streamgaging in Iowa is available on the USGS Iowa Water Science Center Web site.

PDF Version: NWS News Release for Waterloo Inundation Maps

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The National Weather Service is working with its partners to build a Weather-Ready Nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.  Visit http://www.weather.gov/desmoines, and follow us on Twitter @NWSDesMoines and on Facebook.

New Flood Preparedness Tool Available for Cedar Falls

LogoCombos-NWS-CED-IFC

June 11, 2014 Jeff Zogg
Nathan Young
Marty Ryan		 515-270-4501
319-384-1732
319-273-8606		 jeff.zogg@noaa.gov
nathan-young@uiowa.edu
marty.ryan@cedarfalls.com

A dynamic, new online flood preparedness tool which will help emergency managers improve flood warnings and response has been developed for the Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The National Weather Service collaborated with the Iowa Flood Center to develop a library of flood inundation maps for the Cedar River.  The final version of these flood inundation maps are the culmination of a partnership between the Iowa Flood Center (IFC), the City of Cedar Falls, the NOAA Central Region – Regional Collaboration Team and the National Weather Service (NWS).  This capability will help communicate the flood risks for areas along the Cedar River.

Because this new tool is so critical during floods, it is available from two sources.  The first source is the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) Web site.  On the AHPS page for the Cedar River at Cedar Falls, click on the tab near the top of the page named “Inundation Mapping.”  The direct link is http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/inundation/inundation_google.php?gage=cedi4 .  The second source is the Iowa Flood Center’s Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS).  The direct link is http://ifis.iowafloodcenter.org/ifis/en/ .  Go to the Flood Maps section on the right hand side of the page and select Cedar Falls.

 Flood inundation maps help people visualize the potential extent of flooding at various river levels.  This information can assist in planning and mitigation decisions.

 Dr. Nathan Young, Associate Director of the Iowa Flood Center, said the IFC has been developing flood inundation maps since the IFC’s inception in 2009.  “This is an opportunity for us to apply research that is useful and meaningful for Iowans,” he said.  “These detailed maps demonstrate the extent of the flooded landscape with every twelve-inch rise in the flood level.  We believe this information will empower communities and individuals to make informed decisions about their flood risks.”

 Jeff Zogg, Senior Hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Des Moines, said the development of the Cedar Falls flood inundation maps was a team effort which resulted in valuable tools for people in the Cedar Falls area.  “Many people worked together to make these maps available.  We especially appreciate the involvement of local community officials in Cedar Falls.  These maps will help the NWS provide enhanced decision support services to people there.”

 Marty Ryan, Cedar Falls City Planner, echoes those sentiments as applied to Cedar Falls.  “Public safety personnel and utilities service personnel can utilize these maps to assist with proper evacuation protocols when necessary or otherwise ensure that critical utility services are not compromised or cause any public safety concerns during flood events.”

 The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories.  The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and to enhance the national economy.  The NWS provides decision support services as well as enhanced services to local, state, and regional decision makers.  For other locations where flood inundation maps are available see the National Weather Service AHPS Web site.

 The Iowa Flood Center is part of IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, a research institute based at the University of Iowa’s College of Engineering.  The IFC provides accurate, state-of-the-science-based information to help Iowans better understand their flood risks.  It is the nation’s first academic center devoted solely to the study of floods.  Additional IFC resources—including flood inundation maps for other Iowa communities—can be found on the Iowa Flood Center Web site.

 The City of Cedar Falls has critical river levees protecting the downtown area, the City wastewater treatment plant and Cedar Falls Utilities.  The City will upgrade its downtown levee next year to increase the flood protection level.  More information about the City of Cedar Falls and its departments can be found on the City of Cedar Falls Web site.

 The Cedar Falls flood inundation maps are based on observations and forecasts involving readings from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gage along the Cedar River at Cedar Falls.  More information about USGS streamgaging in Iowa is available on the USGS Iowa Water Science Center Web site.

PDF Version: NWS News Release for Cedar Falls Inundation Maps

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The National Weather Service is working with its partners to build a Weather-Ready Nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.  Visit http://www.weather.gov/desmoines, and follow us on Twitter @NWSDesMoines and on Facebook.