Residents in Ankeny, Iowa, are facing dangerous flooding conditions after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Warning and Flood Watch for parts of central Iowa following intense thunderstorms that produced several inches of rain overnight. Emergency officials are urging motorists to avoid flooded roads as rapidly rising water continues to threaten low-lying areas, neighborhoods, and roadways.
The Flash Flood Warning includes northern Polk County, where Ankeny is located, as well as portions of northwestern Jasper County. According to the National Weather Service, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated that between 3 and 6 inches of rain had already fallen in the warned area, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible before the storms move out. Officials warned that life-threatening flash flooding is either occurring or expected to develop shortly.
Heavy rainfall also prompted a broader Flood Watch covering Polk, Dallas, Boone, Jasper, Poweshiek, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, and Guthrie counties, including the cities of Ankeny, Des Moines, Waukee, Perry, Boone, and Newton. Weather officials said excessive runoff may cause rivers, streams, creeks, and urban drainage systems to overflow, creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the region.
In addition to flash flooding concerns, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for Fourmile Creek at Easton Boulevard in Des Moines, forecasting moderate flooding as water levels continue rising. Officials warned that businesses, apartments, and roads near the creek could be impacted as the water approaches flood stage.
Emergency management officials are advising residents in Ankeny and surrounding communities to remain alert throughout the day, especially in neighborhoods prone to flooding and areas with poor drainage. Drivers are strongly urged to avoid flooded roadways, as water depth can be deceptive and fast-moving currents may wash away vehicles. The National Weather Service continues to emphasize its lifesaving message: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The storms developed as a slow-moving weather system crossed central Iowa, producing repeated rounds of heavy rainfall over the same locations. Saturated ground conditions have increased the likelihood of flash flooding, with creeks, streams, and urban drainage systems struggling to handle the excessive runoff. Weather officials continue monitoring rainfall totals and river levels while warning that localized flooding may persist even after the heaviest rain ends.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service, local emergency management agencies, and municipal officials for the latest flood warnings, road closures, and weather advisories. Those living in flood-prone locations should be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions worsen and should never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.
Emergency crews remain on standby across central Iowa as thunderstorms continue to impact the area. Additional weather updates and flood information are expected as officials assess rainfall totals, monitor river conditions, and respond to any new flooding incidents.