A lower flood risk than previous years in Iowa is predicted from the first spring flood outlook report that was released Thursday.

The National Weather Service releases three reports across February and March, with the Quad Cities office including primary local basins such as the Skunk and English rivers. The outlook for the time period between March and May shows that the majority of area rivers have a below-normal risk of reaching flood levels of moderate or major flood severity. Snow cover and snow water equivalent are below normal across much of the area which decreases the overall flood threat, with abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions and near to below soil moisture also reducing flood risk. It also states the threat for spring flooding will be driven by the amounts, location, and frequency of spring rain or additional snowfall, and to a lesser extent the pace of the snowmelt. The next flood outlook will be released on February 24th.