Alert archive / Iowa / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 7, NWS Quad Cities, IA

April 15, 2026Benton County, Iowa

NWS Quad Cities, IA issued this flash flood warning at Apr 15, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT for Benton County, Iowa. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Apr 15, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT (23:00 UTC)
Expired
Apr 15, 2026, 9:23 PM CDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Quad Cities, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Benton County, IA

The radar

The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 133 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:03 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 11.0 hours before the alert went out and 327 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, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2026-04-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 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, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2026-04-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 82 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
937 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
49 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
82 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
96 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

232 
WGUS53 KDVN 152300
FFWDVN
IAC011-160500-
/O.NEW.KDVN.FF.W.0007.260415T2300Z-260416T0500Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
600 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The National Weather Service in Quad Cities has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Benton County in east central Iowa...

* Until midnight CDT tonight.

* At 600 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain 
  have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are 
  possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected 
  to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  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...
  Vinton, Belle Plaine, Urbana, Shellsburg, Newhall, Blairstown, Van 
  Horne, Keystone, Garrison, Mount Auburn, Luzerne.

This includes Interstate 380 between mile markers 40 and 48.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Mud Creek, Wildcat Creek, Pratt Creek, Little Bear Creek, West 
  Fork Cedar River, Bear Creek, Opossum Creek, Goose Run, Wolf 
  Creek, Stein Creek, West Branch Blue Creek, Dry Creek, Buckeye 
  Creek, Prairie Creek, Coon Creek, Rock Creek, Willow Brook, Iowa 
  River and Lime Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

LAT...LON 4230 9183 4205 9184 4189 9200 4189 9230
      4222 9230 4230 9208

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Gibbs
1 follow-up statement
691 
WGUS73 KDVN 160223
FFSDVN

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
923 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

IAC011-160233-
/O.CAN.KDVN.FF.W.0007.000000T0000Z-260416T0500Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Benton IA-
923 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR BENTON COUNTY...

The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a 
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 1200 AM CDT for portions of 
northwest Illinois and Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4222 9230 4230 9209 4230 9183 4205 9184
      4189 9200 4189 9230

$$

Cousins

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 Apr 15, 1:51 PM CDT, 4 hours 9 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.
  • A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.
  • Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front, bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area. Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 15, 1:51 PM CDT, 4 hours 9 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
151 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the
  afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come
  through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a
  Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.

- A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday
  afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of
  our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.

- Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front,
  bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area.
  Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring
  the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Seasonally strong shortwave trof currently located over central
Nebraska will continue to track east through Iowa this
afternoon/evening. A surface low pressure will pass southwest to
northeast just northwest of our area, dragging a cold front through
our area this evening/tonight. While we already have ongoing showers
and storms, we are expecting another round of storms as the cold
front moves through the area this evening/tonight. Ahead of that, we
will have a stationary/warm front draped over the area, which will
be another focus for convective initiation ahead of the main line of
convection. This is currently located between the Highway 30 and
Highway 34 corridors. Thus, a few rounds of storms are expected
today, where flash flooding is possible. A Flood Watch remains for
those areas at greatest risk, owing to heavy rainfall yesterday. The
SPC has our whole area outlooked in a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for
severe weather today, where our best chances for severe weather
will be with the line of storms progged to come through with
the cold front this evening. Isolated severe storms are possible
ahead of this through the afternoon, but confidence is low on
coverage and severity.

Looking at model soundings, we can expect another day of mixed-mode
convection. Early-Mid afternoon, we are likely to continue to see
scattered showers and storms. Given a lot of cloud cover and higher
coverage of showers/storms in our north, the severe threat
should remain relatively low into mid-afternoon. Although, areas
south of Interstate 80 will have seen more sun peeking through,
which has allowed more instability to build. Thus, there will
be a little more of a severe threat in our south, generally in
the form of semi- discrete supercells. Confidence is low on this
at this time, but will further get monitored for the potential
through mesoscale analysis this afternoon. This convection will
generally be seen between the hours of 12-4 PM. Going into late
afternoon and evening, we will see a line (possibly disconnected
line of supercells) moving into our area from west to east,
with some leading semi-discrete cells as well. The leading cells
could be supercellular, which are currently looking to develop
between the Highway 30 and Highway 34 corridors. These
supercells may form just ahead of the line, generally between
4-6 PM, and then get absorbed into the main line. As we get
towards the evening hours, the aforementioned line (QLCS- like
with embedded supercells) will move through the area from west
to east. Timing-Wise, this is expected to move into our west
around 5-7 PM, and move out of our area by midnight local time.
The best severe threat will be in the late afternoon/evening
hours, but gradually decreasing after sunset.

Now a look into the environment in place. The AM convection and
resultant cloud cover has delayed our surface heating a bit, but
clearing skies have been seen. This may limit the overall
instability, but will still be sufficient. We are still looking at
the potential for CAPE around 2000-3000+, collocated with shear
around 50-60+ KTs, with little/no cap seen in forecast soundings.
Thus, we have the necessary CAPE/Shear balance to favor supercells
today. Although, with strong forcing moving in this afternoon and
evening, upscale growth is expected. As was mentioned, this could be
in the form of a disconnected line with embedded supercells. Lapse
rates are once again favorable for hail in the midlevels, collocated
with a fat CAPE profile in the hail growth layer. SPC highlights
parts of our area in the potential for significant hail (2"+), which
is possible. Otherwise, all hazards are in play today, with the
primary threat being winds and embedded tornadoes when the line of
convection comes through this evening. We are especially
focusing on counties along the Interstate 80 corridor, as this
is generally where the stalled out boundary will be. This will
serve as a focus point for severe weather (some significant
severe weather possible), with the increased tornado threat.

Tonight and through Thursday, weak ridging moves in, with a surface
high pressure quickly passing through. Thus, after any residual
showers move out Thursday AM, we should remain dry for the remainder
of the day. Clouds will also decrease through the day, with light
winds and temperatures increasing into the mid-upper 70s. Thus, we
are in for a beautiful day.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Friday will be another day of concern, as a potent shortwave tracks
off of the Rockies and towards the Upper Midwest. This wave will
develop a seasonally strong low pressure system, progged to drag a
strong cold front through the area. Ahead of this, we will have an
environment favorable for organized convection that can become
strong to severe. Uncertainty remains with regards to timing, which
can lead to impacts on the overall severe threat. Guidance has been
hinting at this moving through Friday evening/night. Ahead of that,
we will see a mix of clouds/sun, which will help build instability.
According to model soundings, we may have CAPE values upwards
to 2000-3000+, with shear around 35-45 KTs. The shear is a
little lower than we have seen with the recent events, but
sufficient for organized convection. Although, this would lead
me to believe that we will largely be dealing with a line of
strong/severe convection, but some initial isolated-scattered
storms cannot be ruled out. More details are to come, as more
short term hi-res CAMs start rolling in over the next 24-36
hours. The SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced
Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather, with a Slight Risk (level
2/5) for areas east of the Mississippi River. Continue to
monitor the forecast for future updates.

This weekend, upper level flow becomes northwesterly behind the
aforementioned shortwave. Modest cold advection will kick in,
bringing much cooler air to the area. Daytime temperatures are set
to be in the upper 40s to 50s through the weekend, which is quite
the change to the 70s and 80s we have been seeing. Overnight lows
will be in the 30s, with areas north of Interstate 80 seeing lows
approaching freezing. Thus, our north will have the chance to
see a frost/freeze during this timeframe. Although, confidence
is lower on this now, as temperatures have trended upwards a few
degrees since the last forecast package. Dry conditions are
expected through the weekend, with mostly clear skies. While
cooler, it should be a relatively pleasant weekend.

Going into next week, it looks like the upper level pattern becomes
active again. There remains many differences amongst guidance, but
precipitation chances return to the area by midweek, along
with increasing temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1238 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The main focus of this TAF issuance is on the shower and
thunderstorm potential this afternoon and evening. The first
wave of showers and a couple lightning strikes are lifting
northeastward and are expected to pass out of the TAF sites in
the next couple hours. Another line of storms is expected to
develop around or after 22Z, then traverse the TAF sites through
about 04Z. Tried to adjust the timing a bit with the latest
guidance to start/end the storm potential from west to east.
MVFR ceilings and visibilities are possible with any storm that
develops with visibilities possibly dropping lower in heavier
precipitation. Erratic wind gusts may exceed 35-30kts as the
main line of storms passes through the TAF sites. Conditions
will improve from west to east after overnight into Thursday
morning.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for IAZ040>042-051>054.
IL...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for ILZ001-002-007.
MO...None.

&&

SHORT TERM...Gunkel
LONG TERM...Gunkel
AVIATION...Cousins
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 15, 4:23 AM CDT, 13 hours 37 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-160930-
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-
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 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

There is a Slight Risk, or level 2 of 5 risk, for severe weather
across the Outlook area this afternoon and evening. Damaging
winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are all possible. In
addition, there is the potential for flash flooding in any areas
that see multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms. The
greater risk for flash flooding will be north of Highway 30 where
the ground is saturated from recent heavy rainfall of 1 to 3
inches.

Area rivers are experiencing flooding. Please see the latest
Flood Statements and Flood Warnings for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

There is an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather across
much of the area late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Damaging
winds and tornadoes are the primary threats.

Much colder air will bring the potential for frost and freeze
conditions to parts of the area Saturday night and Sunday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 15, 2:33 PM CDT, 3 hours 27 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
233 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

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

0537 PM     Hail             Packwood                41.13N 92.08W
04/14/2026  E2.00 Inch       Jefferson          IA   Public

            Time estimated using radar.

&&

MTF
Local storm report, Apr 15, 5:40 PM CDT, 20 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
540 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

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

0531 PM     Hail             3 S Vinton              42.12N 92.03W
04/15/2026  M1.00 Inch       Benton             IA   Emergency Mngr

&&

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 14, 7:05 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedDVNJackson40 min
Apr 14, 7:12 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNDubuque, Jackson, Jones3 hr
Apr 14, 7:17 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNDubuque, Jackson, Jones43 min
Apr 14, 8:17 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNDelaware2 hr
Apr 15, 2:50 AM CDTFlood WatchDVNBenton, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, Jones and 1 more20 hr
Apr 15, 3:03 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementDVNHenry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Van Buren, Washington57 min
Apr 15, 9:02 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNBenton, Iowa6 days
Apr 15, 9:46 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNKeokuk48 hr
Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNLouisa21 days
Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNDes Moines, Louisa21 days
Apr 15, 4:25 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBuchanan50 min
Apr 15, 5:01 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBuchanan, Delaware34 min
Apr 15, 5:06 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNBenton54 min
Apr 15, 5:18 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNBuchanan, Delaware4 hr
Apr 15, 6:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNDelaware, Jones, Linn20 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.