Hola Iowa
Flood warnings remained active Tuesday in parts of Iowa as state disaster assistance opened for residents in Jasper, Osceola, Polk and Story counties after severe weather that began June 29.
The South Skunk River at Colfax was under a flood warning affecting Polk, Marion and Jasper counties. Minor flooding was occurring Tuesday morning and was expected to continue until late afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning covered the South Skunk River at Colfax, from the Jasper-Polk County line to the Jasper-Marion County line. At 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, the river stage was 18.9 feet. Flood stage is 18.0 feet.
At 19.0 feet, water affects the earthen levee west of Colfax near the sewage disposal area. Evacuations may occur on the northwest side of Colfax, and flooding occurs in Reasnor.
More Iowa rivers have flood warnings this week
Additional flood warnings were active or forecast for other Iowa rivers this week.
The Iowa River at Marengo was forecast to rise above flood stage Wednesday morning, affecting Benton and Iowa counties. Minor flooding was expected, with water affecting agricultural land along the river.
The North Skunk River near Sigourney was also under a flood warning affecting Keokuk County. Minor flooding was forecast, with water expected to affect agricultural land, some county roads and farm houses.
The Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S was under a flood warning affecting Scott and Clinton counties. The National Weather Service listed that warning among the river flood alerts continuing in eastern Iowa.
State disaster assistance is open in four counties
State disaster assistance is active in Jasper, Osceola, Polk and Story counties after the governor’s disaster proclamation issued July 6.
The proclamation allows state resources to support storm response and recovery in the four counties. It remains active for 30 days unless it is ended or extended earlier.
The assistance includes the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
State disaster assistance is available in four Iowa counties after storms
Eligible households can apply for up to $7,000
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program offers grants of up to $7,000 for households with annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
The grant can cover eligible storm-related expenses in four categories: temporary housing, food assistance, personal property and home repair.
Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management lists examples including photo identification for adults in the household, proof of legal residency in the United States, proof of income, insurance documentation, photos of damage and, for vehicle repair requests, proof of vehicle registration and insurance.
The deadline to apply for the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for the July 6 proclamation is Aug. 20, 2026.
Disaster Case Advocacy remains available until January
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program is also active in Jasper, Osceola, Polk and Story counties.
The program has no income restrictions. Eligible households must have a primary and occupied residence in a county listed in the disaster proclamation and disaster-related needs that the household cannot resolve on its own.
Disaster case advocates work with households on recovery plans and help connect them with services and resources. The program can help with needs such as navigating insurance, financial resources, application processes, housing options, food, clothing, shelter, first aid and longer-term recovery needs.
The Disaster Case Advocacy deadline for the July 6 proclamation is Jan. 2, 2027.
Applications for Iowa disaster assistance are available online through Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The agency also accepts applications by email at [email protected] or by mail at ATTN: Individual Disaster Assistance Program, 900 Hickman Road Suite 500, Windsor Heights, IA 50324.
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