Reports from the 13h through the 19th in this entry.
A relatively deep and widespread snowpack existed across the region during early to mid March. Many areas in central and northern Iowa had around a foot to two feet of snow on the ground, along with many areas in upstream river basins in Minnesota and the Dakotas having similar or deeper snowpacks on the ground. Additionally, with the below normal temperatures throughout the majority of the 2019 year to date, soils were frozen to depths of a foot or more throughout the aforementioned areas. All of that primed the area for potential moderate to major flooding issues should a rapid snowmelt and/or rainfall event occur, which unfortunately came to fruition.
The primary driver was two-fold with warm air advection on the backside of a departing high pressure on the 12th, and a sizable low pressure system that moved through the region on the 13th and 14th. The event began with widespread temperatures and dew points in the upper 30s to low 40s on the 12th with the initial warm air advection, which continued through the overnight hours into the 13th. As the low pressure system developed off the Colorado Rockies, warm air advection continued to push temperatures and dew points up into the upper 40s and low 50s on the 13th and 14th, aiding the rapid snow melt. On top of the rapid snowmelt, which often went from 12 or more inches on the ground to zero in a matter of about two days, light to moderate rainfall occurred ahead of and on the backside of the low pressure system on the 13th and 14th. All combined to cause widespread overland flooding, river flooding, and ice jam issues.

Flood in EMMET, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 19:15:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUNTINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 4 closed between Wallingford in Emmet County and Graettinger in Palo Alto County due to water over the road.

Flood in DALLAS, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 00:36:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAWSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported US 169 closed north of Adel due to flooding.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:51:00 to 14-MAR-19 09:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMING
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

County roads near the North River in Norwalk are flooded and impassable due an ice jam.

Flood in MADISON, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:45:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEVINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported ponding in low lying and poor drainage areas, including water over many of the secondary roads across Madison county.

Flood in MADISON, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:51:00 to 14-MAR-19 09:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEVINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The county Sheriff reported that county roads are flooding and quickly becoming impassable near creeks and streams or in low-lying areas across the county.

Flood in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WODEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous secondary roads closed in Hancock County due to flooding.

Flood in CARROLL, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 19:00:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANESBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported widespread ponding in low lying and poor drainage areas. Report came via social media.

Flood in BUTLER, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: AREDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous secondary roads in rural Butler County closed due to flooding.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Multiple secondary roads across northern Warren County closed due to flooding.

Flood in TAMA, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 22:40:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LINCOLN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported water covering one lane of US Highway 63 south of Tama. Traffic was still getting by at the time, but was being flagged due to the single lane restriction.

Flash Flood in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 17-MAR-19 19:25:00 to 19-MAR-19 01:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: DOWS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported an ice jam in Iowa Falls has caused rapid rises along the Iowa river. This backed up portions of the river flooding low lying areas and roads across southwestern portions of the county.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:15:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media reported 115th Ave and Fulton Street and at G24 and Highway 65 covered in water due to river flooding and ice jam flooding.

Flood in BUTLER, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 01:16:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUSTINVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 14 closed north of Parkersburg between Iowa 57 and County Road C55.

Flood in DALLAS, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:15:00 to 14-MAR-19 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOONEVILLE
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency management and river gauges reported 8 to 10 foot rises on the Middle Raccoon and South Raccoon Rivers due to ice jams. Several county roads were impacts with road closures. Flooding was also reported along Highway 44 between Panora and Dallas Center from heavy rain and snowmelt. Portions of Walnut Creek were also just above bankfull from the rain and snowmelt.

Flood in BOONE, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 13:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOXHOLM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported Big Creek out of its banks east of Boone causing agricultural flooding.

Flood in SAC, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:34:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEMAHA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported widespread ponding over area gravel roads and coming up to the edges of paved roads. Ponding was also reported in town coming all the way up to homes in Sac city. Reported via social media.

Flood in CRAWFORD, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 13:33:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICKETTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported water going into the Crawford County Fairground parking area from the Boyer River.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 09:45:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported ponding in low lying and poor draining areas, including water over many secondary roads in Warren County.

Flood in CRAWFORD, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 17:00:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICKETTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported US Highway 30 closed from Denison to Dow City due to flooding.

Flood in CARROLL, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BREDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported that US 71 north and southbound will be closed due to flooding between 2nd St and US 30 in Carroll.

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 13:53:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUMMING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Highway 28 closed due to flooding from the North River.

Flood in BUTLER, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 16:21:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PACKARD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 188 closed between Iowa 3 and County Road T64, cross road is 140th St, due to flooding. This is a delayed report.

Flood in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 18:35:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLEAR LAKE LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported that several streets near the Mason City Fire Station are closed due to flooding.

Flood in HUMBOLDT, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 10:00:00 to 18-MAR-19 06:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTTOSEN
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Multiple secondary roads were closed across the county from snowmelt and heavy rain during the period. In addition an ice jam around Humboldt and Dakota City were causing flooding during the period.

Flood in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 17-MAR-19 10:33:00 to 18-MAR-19 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITTEMORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A large snowbank that had been holding back meltwater from local fields breached and allowed water to rush into the city of Whittemore. It flooded some roads to a depth of 1 to 2 feet.

Flood in HAMILTON, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 12:00:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HIGHVIEW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported that Highway 69 near Jewell had water partially covering the road. Several secondary roads, mainly gravel, had water over them as well.

Flood in JASPER, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 12:57:00 to 13-MAR-19 12:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: GODDARD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported Indian Creek over the road at N 19th and W 88th in Colfax.

Flood in POLK, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 17:30:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: POLK CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Bike trail bridge over Beaver Creek damaged/destroyed from ice and flooding.

Flood in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 09:36:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WODEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported US 18 closed between Britt and Garner due to flooding.

Flood in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 04:05:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST ANTHONY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 330 between the south edge of Albion and Marshalltown Boulevard are closed in both directions due to flooding. Estimated 1 to 2 days before re-opening.

Flood in DALLAS, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 06:00:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOONEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported water over the road at the Raccoon River Bridge, but still passable at the time.

Flood in BUTLER, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 14:10:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUSTINVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 57 from near Austinville to west of Parkersburg closed due to flooding.

Flood in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 18:30:00 to 18-MAR-19 06:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency reported water had started to rise along Riverside Trail between Fort Dodge and Otho, and will impact residential areas. Webster County has begun to evacuate some residents. The emergency manager also noted ice jam action likely starting near Lehigh.
The ice jam near Lehigh on the Des Moines River ended up flooding many homes and structures in the town of Lehigh. Many roads were closed as well.

Flood in GRUNDY, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 07:50:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WELLSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported water coming onto westbound lane of County Highway D17 from South Beaver Creek.  Report came via social media. The Iowa DOT also reported flooding along Iowa Highway 175 with the highway being reduced to one lane near Reinbeck.

Flood in CRAWFORD, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 12:00:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICKETTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported that Boyer River was out of its banks near Deloit, Dow City, and bankfull at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Many county roads had water reported over them in low lying areas near creeks and streams.

Flood in CASS, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 13:01:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARNE
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported an ice jam that resulted in large chunks of ice over the road near Lewis.

Flood in BOONE, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOXHOLM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported road closure at 250th street and C Ave in Boone County due to water out of its banks along Beaver Creek.

Flood in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 13-MAR-19 19:20:00 to 18-MAR-19 06:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported most gravel roads cannot be driven on and several blacktop roads covered in water. At the time, low visibility making it hard to see flooded roadways. County has taken most utility trucks off the roads due to flood dangers.

Flood in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 18-MAR-19 06:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEHIGH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported water over the road has resulted in the evacuation of 2 to 3 homes at Nelson Ave and Riverside Trail near Coalville.

Flash Flood in HARDIN, IOWA
From 17-MAR-19 19:25:00 to 19-MAR-19 01:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: IOWA FALLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported an ice jam in Iowa Falls has caused rapid rises along the Iowa river. At one point there was an 8 foot rise in 15 minutes.

Flood in BLACK HAWK, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 12:44:00 to 17-MAR-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FINCHFORD
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported water over the road at Miller Creek Road between Laporte City and Washburn. Additionally downstream near Vinton there was an ice jam on the Cedar River. This was causing water to backup in Waterloo and Cedar Falls and causing some flooding.  Another ice jam in the Cottage Row area of Cedar Falls was causing flooding and impacting homes. Many roads across the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area had been closed.

Flood in TAMA, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LINCOLN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Multiple secondary roads closed in Tama County due to flooding.

Flood in BLACK HAWK, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 17-MAR-19 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FINCHFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County reported multiple secondary roads across rural areas of Black Hawk County due to flooding.

Flood in BREMER, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 10:00:00 to 17-MAR-19 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FINCHFORD
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The county EM reported flooding of county roads across the county.

Flood in STORY, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: STORY CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous secondary roads closed in Story County due to flooding. The EM also reported R77 closed due to flooding south of the town of Roland at 170th.

Flood in AUDUBON, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County reported multiple secondary roads in Audubon County closed due to flooding.

Flood in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 18:45:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLEAR LAKE LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported flooding occurring in Mason City due to the sewers and storm drains backing up. This is near the area of the Mason City Fire Department. Willow Creek has also been rising in the last hour.

Flood in MADISON, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 09:30:00 to 15-MAR-19 09:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: EARLHAM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County reported multiple secondary roads in Madison County closed due to flooding.

Flood in MARION, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PERCY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County reported multiple rural roads closed due to flooding.

Flood in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 18-MAR-19 06:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Multiple secondary roads in Webster County closed due to flooding.

Flood in GREENE, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 12:27:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADAZA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 25 down to one lane due to water over the road.

Flood in SAC, IOWA
From 15-MAR-19 07:30:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCHALLER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Numerous secondary roads closed throughout Sac County due to flooding.

Flood in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 14-MAR-19 18:41:00 to 16-MAR-19 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST ANTHONY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Iowa DOT reported Iowa 14 closed between US 30 and County Road E27. Other secondary roads across the county were also reported closed due to flooding. Many roads and some bridges were damaged from the flooding. The bridge on 140th St. was a total loss.