More heavy rainfall was seen across the area, primarily situated over the northern third of the state, as a surface boundary sat across central Iowa and a shortwave moved through the upper level flow. Overall, conditions remained ripe and very much summer-like as opposed to mid-September including precipitable water values were around and in excess of 1.7 inches, moderate to strong low level moisture flow, modest MUCAPE around 500-1000+ J/kg, strong bulk effective shear of 40 to 60 kts, and continued lifting mechanisms from the aforementioned surface boundary and upper level short wave.
Over a roughly 24 hour period, a number of sites experienced havy rainfall in the 3 to 4 inch range, with a few reporting as much as 5+ inches. Fortunately, with widespread precipitation and limited instability, storms remained sub-severe during this portion of the heavy rainfall event. By late afternoon and evening, as the surface low progressed across the area, stronger, more organized convection moved across the area and produced severe winds. The severe wind event will be covered by another entry focused on September 20th.

Heavy Rain in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 05:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARION
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.40 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 05:30:00 to 20-SEP-18 05:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARNER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.21 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in EMMET, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 10:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESTHERVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station recorded heavy rainfall of 3.15 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 10:06:00 to 20-SEP-18 10:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: MALLARD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station recorded heavy rainfall of 3.89 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MCW)MASON CITY MUNI
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Mason City Municipal Airport ASOS recorded heavy rainfall of 3.47 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in EMMET, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALFA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.52 inches over the last 24 hours.

Flood in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 20-SEP-18 03:15:00 to 21-SEP-18 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALEXANDER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported flooding in portions of the county with some roads impassible. Many roads have standing water and larger creeks and streams are rising out of their banks.

Heavy Rain in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 18:12:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported heavy rainfall of 5.5 inches over the past 12 hours and 9.3 inches over the last 48 hours. They also reported basement flooding within their house.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALGONA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported heavy rainfall of 4.90 inches over the last 24 hours. Impacts included several county roads closed due to overland flooding and water in the basements of homes and businesses in Kossuth County.

Heavy Rain in HUMBOLDT, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAKOTA CITY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 2.63 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALGONA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.25 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in EMMET, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 05:52:00 to 20-SEP-18 05:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESTHERVILLE ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Estherville Municipal Airport ASOS recorded heavy rainfall of 3.93 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 05:53:00 to 20-SEP-18 05:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MCW)MASON CITY MUNI
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Mason City Municipal Airport recorded heavy rainfall of 3.47 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in WORTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 10:11:00 to 20-SEP-18 10:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: FERTILE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station recorded heavy rainfall of 3.88 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 10:15:00 to 20-SEP-18 10:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALGONA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station recorded heavy rainfall of 3.54 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 19-SEP-18 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: DOWS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported heavy rainfall of 3.25 inches and still raining as of time of the report.

Heavy Rain in EMMET, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESTHERVILLE ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Estherville Municipal Airport ASOS recorded heavy rainfall of 3.93 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in EMMET, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESTHERVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.77 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EMMETSBURG ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.68 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in POCAHONTAS, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLOVER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported heavy rainfall of 5.30 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in BREMER, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TRIPOLI
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.32 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOBARTON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.25 inches over the last 24 hours.

Flood in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 20-SEP-18 17:00:00 to 22-SEP-18 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SENECA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported some roads closed in rural areas due to water over the road from several rounds of heavy rainfall. Rises also noted local creeks and streams and some overland flooding.

Heavy Rain in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BADGER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 2.65 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in WINNEBAGO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOREST CITY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.32 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in BUTLER, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KESLEY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.10 inches over the last 24 hours.

Flood in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 20-SEP-18 03:15:00 to 21-SEP-18 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELMOND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 50.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported flooding in portions of the county with some roads impassible. Many roads have standing water and larger creeks and streams are rising out of their banks.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.25 inches over the last 24 hours.

Flash Flood in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 20-SEP-18 02:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 03:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALEXANDER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 50.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Franklin County Sheriff's Office reported a number of roads across the county with water running over them, including a few impassable at the time of the call.

Flood in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 20-SEP-18 18:00:00 to 21-SEP-18 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WODEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported some roads closed in rural areas due to water over the road from several rounds of heavy rainfall. Rises also noted local creeks and streams and some overland flooding.

Heavy Rain in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 18-SEP-18 23:01:00 to 19-SEP-18 23:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON MUNI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media relayed public report of heavy rainfall of 3.28 inches over the last 24 hours and still raining.

Heavy Rain in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON MUNI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Hampton Municipal Airport AWOS recorded heavy rainfall of 3.64 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KANAWHA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Coop observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.17 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 05:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RODMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.28 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in BUTLER, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 04:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW HARTFORD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported heavy rainfall of 2.69 inches.

Heavy Rain in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.25 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RODMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.28 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 09:15:00 to 20-SEP-18 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: EMMETSBURG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station recorded heavy rainfall of 3.26 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SWALEDALE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.45 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLEAR LAKE JCT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 3.17 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in WINNEBAGO, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE MILLS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 2.73 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAGLE GROVE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 2.65 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARNER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer recorded heavy rainfall of 4.21 inches over the last 24 hours.

Heavy Rain in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 19-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILLER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Forest City Municipal Airport AWOS recorded heavy rainfall of 3.86 inches over the last 24 hours.