A dry spell has finally arrived and it appears rivers across Iowa are receding. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says the worst of the flooding should be over after last week’s statewide average of 3.66 inches of rain. “That’s a little more than triple the usual amount, which would be 1.17 inches for one week’s time in the middle of June,” Hillaker said.
It also marks the most rain Iowa’s received in one week’s time in a little over six years. Many roadways in parts of northwest and eastern Iowa are still covered with water, but flooding in no longer threatening homes and businesses. “Things are looking better with the recent dry weather we’ve had and it should stay that way for at least a little bit longer,” Hillaker said.
Rain chances return to the forecast later this week. The rain is unlikely to be widespread or heavy enough to cause more flooding, according to the National Weather Service. On Monday, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department Director Mark Schouten said the initial damage estimate for public infrastructure from flooding in northwest Iowa is $11 million. That does not include flood damage to private homes or farm fields.