Quad Cities, IA/IL – Heavy rain continues to pummel eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois today, triggering widespread flooding concerns and a Flash Flood Watch that remains in effect through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, waves of storms are producing 1 to 3 inches of rain across the region, with localized totals potentially exceeding 2 inches by nightfall. Cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities are most at risk for flooding of roads, basements, and low-lying areas.
Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads, as standing water has already been reported and more is likely with additional rainfall. Tributary rivers, particularly near Washington, Maquoketa, and Freeport, may rise rapidly this evening. An isolated threat of damaging winds could also knock down limbs or fences, especially during the stronger storm bursts.
Uncertainty remains around when breaks in the storms may occur, but forecasters say rain will gradually taper off from north to south late tonight.
More advisories are possible as storms evolve. Residents should monitor river levels and stay weather-aware at water.noaa.gov.
