Dubuque Street during the 2008 flood. 

The City of Iowa City has completed several flood mitigation projects in response to higher than normal rainfall totals experienced in recent years: elevating Park Road Bridge and Dubuque Street improvements as part of the Gateway Project, moving critical facilities out of floodplains, and more. 

Despite these projects, there are still some vulnerable areas around the City that may be impacted by an unseasonably wet season. River flooding and flash flooding are two different types of events that can occur in our area. Iowa River levels are impacted by Coralville Dam outflows, rainfall received north of the Iowa River basin, and local rainfall. Ralston Creek runs through Iowa City and unusually heavy or sustained rainfalls can cause flash flooding locally.

The purpose of this page is to provide residents with news, resources, and guidance to assist during high risk events and seasons. 

City of Iowa City flood resources

• Flood insurance: to buy or not to buy? A look into what properties are mandated to buy flood insurance and which ones aren't.
• Flood insurance information. Why some properties are required to have flood insurance and how to appeal the insurance requirement. 
• How do I find flood information? Information about how to find out if your home was flooded in the past, if your home has an Elevation Certificate, if your home or business is in a flood hazard area, and more. 
• Flood-impacted rental properties. A highly detailed map of Iowa City rental properties that have been impacted by flooding. 

Other resources

Information from local, state, and federal organizations.

• NOAA Iowa River levels at Iowa City. NOAA regularly updates this graph that showcases current and future river levels. 
• The Iowa Flood Center. Through the University of Iowa, the Iowa Flood Center provides flooding forecasts and more vital information.
• The Iowa Flood Information System map. This highly detailed and customizable map of Iowa has a bevy of live information about water levels, forecasts, warnings, and more
• US Army Corps of Engineers Coralville Lake site. The Corps of Engineers run a website with information about the Coralville Lake and dam. Check their site for lake levels and more.