Residents of Iowa, particularly in Clinton, Scott, Benton, and Iowa Counties, should brace for potential flooding as the National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL has issued a Flood Watch effective until May 1 for the Iowa River at Marengo and until May 2 for the Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S. Flooding is possible with water expected to reach the bottom of the Marengo levee and impact low-lying agricultural land along the river. In Clinton and Scott Counties, moderate flooding may affect homes along old U.S. Highway 61. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flood Warnings be issued.

Iowa is characterized by a humid continental climate and an extensive network of rivers, streams, and tributaries that supply water to major reservoirs and dams. The Des Moines River Basin, which includes the Raccoon River, provides the largest water source for the state. The Missouri River forms the western boundary of the state and is the second-largest river in Iowa. Other major rivers include the Cedar, Iowa, and Wapsipinicon. Snowmelt and rainfall are the primary sources of water in Iowa, with the state receiving an average of 32 inches of precipitation per year. The state experiences both droughts and floods, with the most severe flood in recent history occurring in 2008. The Iowa Watershed Approach is a comprehensive approach to flood management that involves watershed management, floodplain restoration, and green infrastructure.