Alert archive / Iowa / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 32, NWS Quad Cities, IA

August 12, 20264 counties in Iowa

NWS Quad Cities, IA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 12, 2026, 6:19 AM CDT for 4 counties in Iowa. It was in force for 3 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Aug 12, 2026, 6:19 AM CDT (11:19 UTC)
Expired
Aug 12, 2026, 9:39 AM CDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Quad Cities, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Benton County, IA, Iowa County, IA, Johnson County, IA, Linn County, IA

The radar

The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 122 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 11:23 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 12, 6:45 AM CDTFLASH FLOOD3 Nw North Liberty, IAOne lane of I-380 impassable due to water on the roadway in a construction zone. Time estimated.
Aug 12, 8:47 AM CDTRAIN 2.352 Nw North Liberty, IASo far.
Aug 12, 8:47 AM CDTRAIN 2.352 Nw North Liberty, IASo far.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 26 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Davenport, (KDVN), launched 00:00Z, 11.3 hours before the alert went out and 128 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Davenport, at 00:00Z on 2026-08-12Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 3969 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Davenport, at 00:00Z on 2026-08-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 121 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
3969 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-90 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
877 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
43 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
121 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
214 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
3.6
Supercell composite
29.8

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

483 
WGUS53 KDVN 121119
FFWDVN
IAC011-095-103-113-121615-
/O.NEW.KDVN.FF.W.0032.260812T1119Z-260812T1615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
619 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

The National Weather Service in Quad Cities has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southern Benton County in east central Iowa...
  Northeastern Iowa County in east central Iowa...
  Northern Johnson County in east central Iowa...
  Southern Linn County in east central Iowa...

* Until 1115 AM CDT.

* At 619 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated training thunderstorms
  producing heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is
  ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
           highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
           drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  South side of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marengo, West Branch,
  Coralville, North Liberty, Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Fairfax, Solon,
  Tiffin, Ely, Atkins, Walford, Swisher, Newhall, Oxford, Blairstown,
  Van Horne and Keystone.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 239 and 253. Interstate
380 between mile markers 1 and 20.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4186 9220 4198 9230 4209 9230 4193 9137
      4163 9137 4181 9215 4183 9217

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$
2 follow-up statements
198 
WGUS73 KDVN 121235
FFSDVN

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
735 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

IAC011-095-103-113-121615-
/O.CON.KDVN.FF.W.0032.000000T0000Z-260812T1615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Benton IA-Iowa IA-Johnson IA-Linn IA-
735 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 AM CDT THIS
MORNING FOR SOUTHERN BENTON, NORTHEASTERN IOWA, NORTHERN JOHNSON AND
SOUTHWESTERN LINN COUNTIES...

At 735 AM CDT, local law enforcement reported some standing water on
main roads, including on portions of I-380. The primary thunderstorms
have moved out of the area but flash flooding is expected to linger.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Iowa City, Marengo, West Branch, Coralville, North Liberty,
  Fairfax, Solon, Tiffin, Ely, Atkins, Walford, Swisher, Newhall,
  Oxford, Blairstown, Van Horne, Keystone, Shueyville and Norway.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 239 and 253. Interstate
380 between mile markers 1 and 17.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 4186 9220 4198 9230 4209 9230 4203 9195
      4186 9137 4163 9137 4181 9215

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$
774 
WGUS73 KDVN 121439
FFSDVN

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
939 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

IAC011-095-103-113-121449-
/O.CAN.KDVN.FF.W.0032.000000T0000Z-260812T1615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Benton IA-Iowa IA-Johnson IA-Linn IA-
939 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR SOUTHERN BENTON, NORTHEASTERN
IOWA, NORTHERN JOHNSON AND SOUTHWESTERN LINN COUNTIES...

Flood waters have receded according to law enforcement. Flooding is
no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed
remaining road closures. If you noted flash flooding, please pass
along to law enforcement for relay to the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4198 9230 4209 9230 4203 9195 4186 9137
      4163 9137 4181 9215 4186 9220

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Quad Cities, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 12, 3:16 AM CDT, 3 hours 3 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • There is a Slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe storms this morning and early afternoon. Damaging wind up to the 70 mph and heavy rain will be the primary threats. Some embedded tornadoes will also be possible.
  • There is a Marginal (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening. Damaging wind and heavy rain will be the primary threats. Some localized flash flooding is also possible for areas that see repeating storms.
  • There will be a near daily risk of shower/storms through the remainder of the week and into the weekend, However, there will also be many hours of dry weather.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 12, 3:16 AM CDT, 3 hours 3 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
316 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- There is a Slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe storms
  this morning and early afternoon. Damaging wind up to the 70
  mph and heavy rain will be the primary threats. Some embedded
  tornadoes will also be possible.

- There is a Marginal (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms
  Thursday afternoon and evening. Damaging wind and heavy rain
  will be the primary threats. Some localized flash flooding is
  also possible for areas that see repeating storms.

- There will be a near daily risk of shower/storms through the
  remainder of the week and into the weekend, However, there
  will also be many hours of dry weather.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 250 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

Another repeat of yesterday? Same llvl thermal and moisture gradient
alignment from the northern/central plains over to Indiana, with the
local area stuck in the middle. Water vapor imagery showing a
seasonably robust short wave probably convectively enhanced, acrs
central SD and an associated strong cluster of storms pushing
southeast into far north central NE ATTM. This may be the "player"
as it continues to evolve and develop a cold pool for propagation
mechanics acrs IA and through the local area this morning. Current
trends would have it dive further southeast than what most CAMs
suggest it will and then hammer the far southern CWA and MO. But
these areas are covered by a strong EML, and more prime LLJ feed and
ongoing MCS maintenance parameters align right along I-80 into
northern IL. Thus would expect more north/northeastward flank
development of the current storm cluster as it comes acrs and much
of the DVN CWA except maybe the far north will be at risk of the
wrath of another severe QLCS with damaging winds and embedded
tornadoes this morning.

If the current 3500 J/kg MLCAPE pool can hang on during storm
arrival, there appears to be enough kinematics again to fuel wind
gusts of 70 to 85 MPH with a bow utilizing cold pool mechanics and
mix down. The ongoing quasi-stationary LLVL boundary undulating acrs
NE over to northern IL will also be a focus. The storms will also be
producing rainfall at rates of 1-2 inches an hour, but hopefully the
progressive nature will limit flash flooding potential unless some
re-generation of a few storms on the wake outflow left behind
lingers longer into early afternoon on areas hit hard earlier.

High temperatures may vary quite a bit with convective debris and
outflow boundaries all over the place. But with storm system exit
and most the afternoon to recover, looks like another sultry day
with high humidity. Went ahead and issued another Heat Advisory for
the southern third of the fcst area which is expected remain south
of the main boundary and in the land of sfc DPTs in the upper 70s to
around 80. Some chance that a further south MCS track and lingering
wake clouds/perculating precip may ruin the ambient temp heat up
potential even in the south.

Tonight...Signs of another bout of short wave upper ridging and LLJ
re-focus back off to the west may make the later afternoon and most
of the night precip free again...with the ongoing chance for a rogue
elevated shower or storm with nocturnal LLJ WAA processes. This as
yet another short wave or MCV lurks upstream off to the west to ruin
the day Thursday. Like having to watch for this early Wednesday
morning, there may be some fog development in spots Thu morning
especially along and north of the quasi-stationary boundary. NBM low
temps ranging from the upper 60s to low 70s look on target.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 250 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

Thursday...This could be a day were the rounds of heavy rainfall add
up and the flooding potential increases especially by late Thu
night. After we may have yet another strong to severe MCS or storm
cluster move acrs the area during the day, there are synoptic scale
signals that the LLVL west-to-east boundary gets enhanced and is a
focus point of LLJ convergence and moisture feed, fueling more
thunderstorms possibly in a back-building scenario as Thu night
progresses. Where this west-to-east line of convection lays out
still uncertain of course at this juncture of the game but CAM
ensembles are hinting along to a county or two north of the I-80
corridor. Depending on what occurs rainfall-wise leading up to this
scenario, could see the eventual need for a flood watch for Thu or
Thu night.

Friday through Tuesday...Latest ensemble and upper jet trends
suggest the upper ridge and heat dome to get presses eastward again
with some amplitude thrust up the mid to upper MS RVR Valley with
west coast L/W troffiness establishment. This could make for another
heat and storm track battle zone on Friday for the region, until the
track then gets shunted more to the north acrs MN and WI while we
heat up again. Still on the southern fringe, couldn't rule out MCS
seepage down this far south into the local at times over the weekend
as well. The action may last into early next week with longer range
signs of upper ridge dampening and flattening to get us back under
the influence of ring of fire periphery.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1250 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

Another overnight into early morning period of a mix of VFR and
some MVFR stratocu along/north of I-80, as well as a chance for
an isolated elevated shower or thunderstorm. Also will have to
watch for patchy MVFR to IFR fog in these same areas through
dawn Wednesday. South of I-80 mainly VFR until another storm
complex rolls acrs the area from the west after 11-12z Wed with
potentially very high wind gusts and sharply reduced VSBY's due
to passing torrential downpours. Severe storms definitely a
possibilty again like Tuesday morning. After the main band of
strong storms pass by late morning, still some lingering lighter
showers/storms and will have to keep in mind high variable wake
low wind gusts gushing out the backside of the departing
convection. Much of Wed afternoon and even night may be precip
free and VFR, with the low chance of a stray elevated
shower/storm.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Heat Advisory from noon today to 8 PM CDT this evening for
     IAZ087>089-098-099.
IL...Heat Advisory from noon today to 8 PM CDT this evening for
     ILZ025-026-034-035.
MO...Heat Advisory from noon today to 8 PM CDT this evening for
     MOZ009-010.

&&

SHORT TERM...12
LONG TERM...12
AVIATION...12
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 12, 4:25 AM CDT, 1 hour 54 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
425 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-131100-
Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-
Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-
Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-
Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-
Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-
425 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northwest Illinois...west central Illinois...east
central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Iowa and northeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

A strong to severe storm system will move in from the west and
impact much of the Outlook Area this morning. Damaging winds,
potentially up to 70 mph, will be the primary risk. Brief spin-
up tornadoes will be a secondary risk. Much of the area is in a
Slight, level 2 out of 5, Risk for severe storms today. Locally
heavy rainfall and flooding will also be a concern

A Heat Advisory is in effect this afternoon and evening for areas
generally along and south of an Ottumwa, Iowa to Galesburg,
Illinois line. Heat Index readings will range from 100 to 105
degrees in these areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

Rounds of strong to severe storms will again be possible Thursday
and Friday as the area continues to lay under an active storm
track. There is a Marginal, level 1 out of 5, Risk for severe
weather for the portions of the Outlook Area both days. Locally
heavy rain and flooding will also be a concern, especially
Thursday night when there will be the potentially for
thunderstorms moving repeatedly over the same areas.

There will continue to be an almost daily chance for thunderstorms
through the upcoming weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is likely today.

12

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 12, 4:32 AM CDT, 1 hour 47 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
432 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

IAZ051-063-121015-
Iowa IA-Benton IA-
432 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Iowa and
southern Benton Counties through 515 AM CDT...

At 432 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Belle Plaine, or 13 miles east of Toledo, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Belle Plaine around 435 AM CDT.
  Luzerne around 440 AM CDT.
  Blairstown around 445 AM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this storm include Norway and Walford.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4201 9230 4200 9183 4170 9183 4180 9230
TIME...MOT...LOC 0932Z 275DEG 34KT 4192 9233

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<40 MPH

Gross
Local storm report, Aug 12, 4:48 AM CDT, 1 hour 31 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
448 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0441 AM     Hail             Belle Plaine            41.90N 92.28W
08/12/2026  M1.00 Inch       Benton             IA   Trained Spotter

            Nickel to Quarter size hail reported.

&&

12
Local storm report, Aug 12, 5:38 AM CDT, 41 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
538 AM CDT Wed Aug 12 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0530 AM     Hail             2 NW East Amana         41.83N 91.87W
08/12/2026  M0.50 Inch       Iowa               IA   Public

&&

12

The office that day

Everything else NWS Quad Cities, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 12, 1:18 AM CDTHeat AdvisoryDVNDes Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Lee, Van Buren12 hr
Aug 12, 4:32 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDVNIowa43 min
Aug 12, 4:37 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBenton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn53 min
Aug 12, 5:25 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBenton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn65 min
Aug 12, 6:09 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNCedar, Clinton, Muscatine, Scott66 min
Aug 12, 6:19 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNCedar, Scott3 min
Aug 12, 6:39 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBenton, Iowa31 min
Aug 12, 6:53 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNClinton, Scott67 min
Aug 12, 7:18 AM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNScott94 min
Aug 12, 7:27 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNDes Moines, Henry, Lee63 min
Aug 12, 7:54 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNLee, Van Buren36 min
Aug 12, 8:12 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNVan Buren63 min
Aug 12, 8:20 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNLee55 min
Aug 12, 10:57 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDVNLouisa33 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Iowa, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.