Webster County emergency management officials report that heavy rainfall caused localized flooding, water in basements, and road closures on Thursday morning. The storm dropped more than 3 inches of rain near Dayton and roughly 2 inches around Fort Dodge in just a few hours, overwhelming local creeks and backing water up into basements, according to messengernews.net.
Webster County Flooding After Heavy Rains
The intense downpour transformed a small creek at the Oak Park Golf Course in Dayton into a rushing river that submerged the ninth hole’s bridge. A rain gauge on the course measured over 3.5 inches of rain during the morning hours, making the fairway more suitable for kayaking than golf. Webster County Emergency Management Coordinator Dylan Hagen stated that the heaviest precipitation concentrated in the south and southeast portions of the county.
Rising river levels force road closures near Dayton
The surge of runoff forced the closure of several roadways running near and over Skillet Creek east of Dayton. In Fort Dodge, the Des Moines River rose more than one foot, while river gauges in the southern part of Webster County recorded a five-foot rise over a 10-hour period. Despite the rapid increases, Hagen confirmed that there are no immediate threats or flood warnings concerning major river levels in the county area. The threat diminished quickly as precipitation cleared out of northern and northwest Iowa, preventing additional water from flowing downstream into Webster County.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Webster County Flood Event
How much rain fell in Webster County during the storm?
Rainfall totals varied by location, with Fort Dodge receiving roughly 2 inches and areas near Dayton recording over 3.5 inches within a few hours on Thursday morning.
Which specific areas experienced road closures?
Local authorities closed a few roadways running near and over Skillet Creek, located just east of Dayton, due to high water levels.
What is the current status of the Des Moines River?
The river rose more than one foot in Fort Dodge and about five feet in southern Webster County over a 10-hour window, but emergency management reported no immediate flood concerns.
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