Dubuque, Iowa – Drivers across parts of eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois face rapidly rising water on roads this afternoon, with flash flooding already reported in multiple communities as storms continue to redevelop.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 8:30 p.m. Friday for southeastern Dubuque County, north central Jackson County, and northwestern Jo Daviess County in Illinois. Radar shows between 0.6 and 1.5 inches of rain fell in just over an hour, with additional heavy downpours expected through 6 p.m.
Communities including Dubuque, Galena, Asbury, East Dubuque, and Peosta are seeing the greatest impact. Water is quickly filling small creeks, flooding underpasses, and covering streets in low-lying neighborhoods. Rural roads near Scales Mound, Elizabeth, and La Motte may become impassable with little warning.
Officials warn that even shallow water can stall vehicles or sweep them off the road. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded areas and use alternate routes where possible. Emergency crews are monitoring known trouble spots, especially near drainage basins and urban streets.
Storm activity may ease later this evening, but flooding risks will persist until water recedes. Additional warnings could be issued if rainfall intensifies again before sunset.
