The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) is a state-funded, advanced research and education centre specifically related to floods and was the first of its kind in the United States. The IFC create community-based tools to enlighten managers, policy makers, and citizens about flood risks, which proved in great demand during the 2008 flooding of the Midwest, as entire communities suffered due to lack of knowledge and preparation.

By using two-dimensional numerical simulations and coupled hydrodynamic modelling , IFC virtually reconstructed the severe flooding from 2008. Thus, they were able to supplement forecast information from National Weather Service (NWS), and provide more accurate predictions of threats and damage of potential floods to the public through the Internet. In this way, using modelling to develop forecast maps of potential flooding, IFC are now educating the community about flood risks and how to prepare for flood situations in the future. 

(Image source: Buchmiller, R.C.; Eash, D.A. Floods of May and June 2008 in Iowa; U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report; U.S. Geological Survey: Reston, VA, USA, 2010.)