Davenport, Iowa – Heavy rain continues to pound eastern Iowa and western Illinois Sunday, raising the threat of flash flooding and river flooding through the evening. Localized downpours could drop 1 to 3 inches of rain per hour, quickly overwhelming drainage systems and pushing creeks and rivers out of their banks.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, repeated rounds of thunderstorms will track over the same areas today, increasing runoff into already swollen waterways. A Flood Watch remains in effect for much of eastern Iowa, western Illinois, and parts of northeast Missouri, including the Quad Cities, Dubuque, Iowa City, and Burlington.
Low-lying areas, urban streets, and poorly drained neighborhoods could flood rapidly, while rural roads near streams may become impassable. Officials urge drivers never to cross flooded roadways and to move to higher ground if water rises quickly.
Rivers including the Mississippi near Burlington and the Wapsipinicon near DeWitt could see sharp rises by tonight as upstream runoff arrives. Residents near flood-prone areas should keep devices charged and be ready for possible evacuation notices.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until this evening, with additional warnings possible if rainfall totals exceed expectations.
