(Radio Iowa) – Forecasters say there’s a higher risk of flooding this spring on the upper Mississippi River, including all of Iowa’s eastern border and stretching from Minneapolis to St. Louis. Jeffrey Brewer, a spokesman for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, says higher snowfall levels up north this winter are partially to blame for the increase flood risk. “We’ve had a little bit more snow this year, so that’s putting a little more pressure on the tributaries to the Mississippi River,” Brewer says, “and so, from the northern part of the river, it’s expected to be a little bit more flooded than it has in past years.”

Brewer also says flash floods can be especially dangerous, noting the three deaths of motorists in Missouri last weekend whose vehicles were swept away by fast-moving water. A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts about 44-percent of the U-S is at risk for flooding this spring, which includes possible “moderate to major flooding” along the upper Mississippi. Brewer urges Iowans to check their homeowner’s insurance policy to see what’s covered in the event of a flood.

“Even one inch of water could cause up to $25,000 in damage,” Brewer says, “and so it’s real important to know what your flood risk is and then take steps to make sure that you’re prepared.” He says most homeowners’ policies don’t cover flooding and you may need to buy a separate flood insurance policy. Iowans need to be alert for flash floods, especially during the spring.

“They can occur really quickly and you don’t always have a lot of time to respond and react,” he says, “so advanced preparation is the key.” Brewer suggests creating an inventory of your home’s contents in order to quickly account for any items damaged or destroyed during a flood.