Davenport, Iowa – A flash flood emergency brought chaos to eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois late Friday as powerful storms dumped more than 2 inches of rain in under four hours, inundating roads and homes across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, severe storms swept through the area Friday afternoon and evening, delivering 60+ mph winds, small hail, and torrential rainfall. Jones, Dubuque, and Jackson counties were among the hardest hit, with widespread power outages and extensive street flooding reported.
Downtown Davenport experienced the worst flash flooding, prompting a rare emergency alert at 5:26 p.m. as Duck Creek surged beyond its banks. Vehicles were stranded in rising water, and several roads were deemed impassable. Portions of the QC Metro faced flooded basements and business disruptions.
Many eastern Iowa communities—especially those north of Hwy 30—saw storm totals top 2 inches in a short span. While the storm threat has ended, patchy fog may develop this morning in low-lying areas and river valleys.
A drier pattern is expected to hold through the weekend, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s. Residents are urged to stay alert for lingering road closures and water hazards.
