Flash Flood — Franklin, Iowa

2014-06-19 · near Alexander, Franklin, Iowa

Event narrative

Numerous dirt roads were washed out and were under water in various portions of Franklin county.

Wider weather episode

The weather pattern changed only slightly from the day before. A strong upper level trough was in place to the west of Iowa with the surface low and cold front near the western Iowa border, and the warm front bisecting the state. The airmass was very moist with surface dew points around 70 F and precipitable water values in the 1.5 to 2 inch range. Severe weather was somewhat limited. Some sub-severe hail was reported, with scattered reports of damaging winds. Heavy rainfall of several inches in places resulted in significant flash flooding across northern Iowa. Statewide flood damage for Iowa was assessed shortly after the rainfall and was estimated at $15.5 million for public buildings, bridges, infrastructure and roads. Note that this estimate does not include crop damage as well as damage to private businesses and up to 150 homes across the state. Governor Brandstad issued disaster declarations for the following 18 counties: Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Franklin, Hancock, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Woodbury and Wright. Iowa Homeland Security planed to seek a Presidential disaster declaration.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (42.9085, -93.4986)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 514019. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.