Water Damage Restoration in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines by the numbers: 41 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 128 freezing nights a year, 7 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Iowa insurance help and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Des Moines
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Des Moines Flood Record
NOAA has 135 flood and flash flood reports for the 6 counties of the Des Moines metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 41 separate days; May had the most.
At the Des Moines International Airport gauge, June is the wettest month with 5.3 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 1.1 |
| February | 2 | 1.3 |
| March | 6 | 2.2 |
| April | 1 | 4 |
| May | 12 | 5.2 |
| June | 10 | 5.3 |
| July | 3 | 3.8 |
| August | 2 | 4.2 |
| September | 2 | 3.2 |
| October | 3 | 2.8 |
| November | 0 | 1.9 |
| December | 0 | 1.6 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 29 | 79 |
| Dallas County | 18 | 22 |
| Warren County | 8 | 13 |
| Jasper County | 5 | 12 |
| Madison County | 4 | 5 |
| Guthrie County | 3 | 4 |
Freezing Nights in Des Moines
Des Moines averages 128 nights a year at or below 32°F (Des Moines International Airport station). About 59 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 42 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 6 counties of the Des Moines metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Des Moines
The 6 counties of the Des Moines metro area were named in 7 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- March 5, 2022: Tornado, EF4 (Madison County)This is the first segment of this devastating tornado which passed through four counties including Madison, Warren, Polk and Jasper. The tornado began northwest of Macksburg in western Madision county.
- July 9, 2021: Hail, 3.25 inch hail (Polk County)Picture via social media of 3.25 inch hail in Beaverdale. Time estimated via radar.
- August 20, 2019: Tornado, EF3 (Warren County)The second of three tornadoes associated with a fast moving QLCS. The particularly strong tornado moved across rural Warren county producing mainly crop and tree damage.
- June 30, 2018: Flood (Polk County)Fourmile Creek at Easton Blvd crested at 17.47 feet on 1 July 2018 at 1030Z.
- June 28, 2018: Thunderstorm wind, 87 mph gust (Warren County)Weather station at Simpson College measured an 88 mph wind gust before power was lost during the storm.
Federal disaster declarations
- September 1, 2026: Severe Storms And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4942
- May 24, 2024: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4784
- May 14, 2024: Severe Storms And TornadoesTornado, FEMA DR-4779
- February 23, 2022: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, And TornadoesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4642
- August 17, 2020: Severe StormsSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4557
- March 23, 2019: Severe Storms And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4421
Des Moines Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Des Moines (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 97,604 housing units, a median build year of 1961, 70% built before 1980, 59% before 1970, 61% owner occupied.
Iowa Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Iowa go to the Iowa Insurance Division.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Des Moines flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Des Moines
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Des Moines
The same 24/7 line covers the Des Moines metro area, including:
- Des Moines
- Ankeny
- West Des Moines
- Urbandale
- Waukee
- Johnston
- Altoona
- Clive
Questions
When is the first freeze in Des Moines?
The median first night at or below 32°F is October 20 and the median last is April 18 at the Des Moines International Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.