Today, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued new flash flood watches for central Iowa. Iowa, like much of the Midwest, faces risks of flooding as ice thaws for spring and rivers rise.

Iowans, especially those along the Raccoon River in Polk and Dallas counties, and those living near the South Skunk River in Jasper and Marion counties are advised to stay tuned to local media or the National Weather Service for more information.

Other riverside communities are also at high risk due to ice jamming rivers and causing floods. Areas include communities near Crete, Nebraska (Big Blue River) and Red Oak, Iowa (East Nishnabotna River). Recent rains are also a concern in central Missouri, especially for those living near the Missouri River.