Drought conditions in Iowa have improved to their least severe in about two years thanks to abundant rainfall in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

In a Thursday report, all “severe” drought in the northeast part of the state was downgraded to “moderate,” the lowest drought classification.

The last time there was no severe drought in Iowa was March 2022.

About a third of the state is still at least abnormally dry, and about 21% has moderate drought. The latest Drought Monitor report did not take into consideration all of the precipitation from severe weather that swept the state on Tuesday.

Heavy rain leads to wastewater bypasses

About 40 cities reported wastewater bypasses from their collection systems that day, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“The city received 5 inches of rain and was forced to bypass from manholes,” a report about Newton in central Iowa said.

Old or poorly maintained sewer pipes — along with antiquated systems that purposefully carry wastewater and stormwater together — can be inundated by heavy rain.

Some cities deliberately pumped wastewater out of their systems to avoid sewer backups into basements, DNR records show. In others, the wastewater overflowed from their treatment systems.

Those bypasses can result in untreated or partially treated wastewater going into the state’s streams. On Wednesday, the DNR warned people to avoid floodwater that could be contaminated.

The department said it has received more than 130 reports of bypasses since the start of April.

The statewide average precipitation was 4.16 inches that month, which is about a half inch more than normal. Average rainfall so far in May totals more than 6 inches, according to Iowa State University data.

When you see that the flags are half-staff today, use that as a reminder to remain focused while driving and going the speed limit, especially in construction zones.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Iowa?

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags to remain at half-staff to honor an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation who was killed on the job.

“This senseless tragedy never should have happened,” Reynolds said in a news release. “I urge all drivers to be alert when approaching any work area at any time. The workers on our interstates and roadways deserve our full attention and respect. Please be vigilant and reduce your speed whenever you’re near work areas to keep everyone safe on Iowa’s roads.”  

Matthew Dickerson, a father and husband, died on May 16 while working for the DOT on Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs.

 “We honor the memory of Matthew Dickerson and his service to the state of Iowa as he is laid to rest this week,” Reynolds said. “Kevin and I pray for his wife, daughters, parents, and extended family during this difficult time.”

Which flags should fly half-staff in Iowa?

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, according to the governor’s announcement. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. 

While individuals, businesses or local governments are not mandated to lower flags, the governor encourages them to do so.

What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Half-mast is used when a flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.

Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.

Des Moines Register reporter Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this report.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced the casualty toll Wednesday, stating it believes the number of injured is likely higher and the 35 individuals reported only reflect those being treated for injuries at designated alternate care sites.

At least 14 people were transported by EMS services to out-of-country medical facilities, it said.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds visited Greenfield to inspect the damage.

“The community of Greenfield is strong,” the Republican governor said in a statement.

“Amid the devastation there is hope and resilience. Progress is already visible, and it will continue. Thank you to emergency management, first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and everyone supporting the effort.”

On Tuesday following the severe weather, Reynolds had authorized a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 15 counties, including Adair, where Greenfield is located, freeing up state resources to be used for recovery operations while activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant and Disaster Case Advocacy programs.

In a press conference in Greenfield on Wednesday, Reynolds said she requested an expedited presidential disaster declaration.

State Rep. Ray Sorensen, who represents the 23rd district, that includes Adair County, said the storm has forever changed Greenfield’s appearance, felling historic trees that made its skyline.

“There are so many historic trees in town that are gone, and, you know, not to downplay people’s houses completely destroyed, but that to me is the history of Greenfield are some of those old trees and it’s a completely different town now,” he said.

“I was glad that it spared the grandstand at the fairgrounds, because that’s another historic grandstand and so we’ve been lucky there.”

The storm hit less than a month after both Minden and Shelby, Iowa, were slammed with strong tornadoes, killing at least one person.