The seasons first strong push of warm air moved into Iowa during the overnight hours of the 1st into the 2nd.  Temperatures rose through the night with readings soaring into the 60s to around 70 by the afternoon of the 2nd.  At the same time, dew point temperatures rose into the mid 50s across southern Iowa.  Considerable snow remained on the ground before the warming took place.  In addition, rivers were completely covered with ice from the cold temperatures of the preceding month.  Rapid melt caused flooding over parts of central and southern Iowa as snow melt water flowed into the rivers rapidly.  In addition, the rapid rise in water broke some of the ice free in the rivers and resulted in some ice jam flooding as well.  Several highways were reported as having water flowing over them.  Flash flooding occurred in Wapello and Marshall Counties due to ice action.  There were several reports of washouts on gravel roads as soft soils were eroded by the flood waters.  Considerable flooding took place in the Marion County area.  Once the flooding occurred, cold temperatures and ice action caused water levels to remain high into the day on the 4th.

Flood in GRUNDY, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 17:57:00 to 03-MAR-08 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water blocked at a culvert forced water onto Highway 14.  Highway 175 also had water backed onto the road surface.  Traffic was allowed to pass.

Flash Flood in STORY, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 16:00:00 to 02-MAR-08 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLO
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 21:47:00 to 03-MAR-08 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ACKWORTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported over Highway 92 due to the South River overflow at  Ackworth.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 23:11:00 to 03-MAR-08 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ACKWORTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The South River was over County Highway S23 southeast of Ackworth.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 18:22:00 to 02-MAR-08 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: STATE CENTER
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported flowing over Highway 30.

Flash Flood in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 18:00:00 to 02-MAR-08 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHILLICOTHE
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

At least 3 inches of water was reported in the spotters basement, along  with several other homes in Ottumwa neighborhood taking on water in basements.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 16:00:00 to 02-MAR-08 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: STATE CENTER
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported flowing over Highway 30. In addition, water was flowing over Highway 65 near Zearing and just south of Colo. Numerous county roads have water over them.

Flood in BUTLER, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 18:50:00 to 03-MAR-08 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KESLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water reported over the road on county road T16. Traffic flow was not impeded however.

Flood in HAMILTON, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 19:50:00 to 03-MAR-08 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLSWORTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was 3 feet deep with a wash out on 400th Street, at the  intersection of 400th Street and Vail Ave. in southern Hamilton County. The shoulder was completely washed out as well.

Flash Flood in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 19:50:00 to 02-MAR-08 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHILLICOTHE
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Wildwood Road in Ottumwa was closed from high water. Numerous other gravel roads in the county were closed due to water running over them.  Some washouts were also reported.

Flood in HARDIN, IOWA
From 02-MAR-08 17:24:00 to 03-MAR-08 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: IOWA FALLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Shallow water was flowing over county road D15. Water was forced onto highway by blocked culvert in the Alden area.

Flood in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 03-MAR-08 01:00:00 to 03-MAR-08 10:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDDYVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flood in MARION, IOWA
From 03-MAR-08 09:00:00 to 04-MAR-08 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SWAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager