Tornado and Flash Flooding in Iowa, July 10, 2025

Name: Tornado and Flash Flooding in Iowa, July 10, 2025
Start: 2025-07-10T16:35
End: 2025-07-10T23:21
Location: Iowa

July 10, 2025 · NWS DVN · 11 events in 5 counties and zones

During the evening of July 10th, a line of thunderstorms developed and moved across eastern Iowa. These storms produced isolated large hail and damaging wind gusts in Johnson and Clinton Counties.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 11

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS DVN wrote it up.

During the evening of July 10th, a line of thunderstorms developed and moved across eastern Iowa. These storms produced isolated large hail and damaging wind gusts in Johnson and Clinton Counties. Based on a video, an EF-U tornado occurred in Jackson county. These storms also produced heavy rain, mainly along and north of interstate 80. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4.50 inches were reported across the area. This rain led to flash flooding in Clinton, Dubuque, Davenport near the Mississippi River and Sabula.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Jul 10, 1:26 PM CST, 3 hours 9 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through Saturday. Severe weather is possible, there is a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for today and tonight, and a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for Friday.
There is a risk of heavy rainfall with any thunderstorms, especially for areas that see multiple rounds. Flash flooding of low-lying areas and urban areas may be a concern. River flooding may also become a concern.
Seasonal temperatures and humidity levels will continue into next week. A cold front may arrive later in the week.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 10, 1:26 PM CST, 3 hours 9 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
226 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected this
  afternoon through Saturday. Severe weather is possible, there
  is a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for today and tonight, and
  a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for Friday.

- There is a risk of heavy rainfall with any thunderstorms,
  especially for areas that see multiple rounds. Flash flooding
  of low-lying areas and urban areas may be a concern. River
  flooding may also become a concern.

- Seasonal temperatures and humidity levels will continue into
  next week. A cold front may arrive later in the week.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 154 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

Temperatures have quickly warmed into the 80s across most of the
area early this afternoon. Most climb into the upper 80s for
high temperatures. With the strong heating, cumulus is beginning
to develop south of a remnant mesoscale convective vortex
moving across southern Minnesota and associated outflow across
eastern Iowa. This may be a focus for afternoon and evening
thunderstorm development. Model guidance remains uncertain, but
latest satellite trends appear to show the potential for
scattered thunderstorms along and north of Interstate 80 into
tonight. In addition to this, a broken line of thunderstorms is
expected to move in from the west after midnight, clearing the
area by sunrise on Friday. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) of
severe weather is forecast through tonight with damaging winds
the main hazard. An isolated tornado can not be completely ruled
out. Flash flooding will also be possible with a very moist
environment. Very high rainfall rates in thunderstorms will
support a localized flash flood threat, especially if areas
receive multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Temperatures by Friday
morning should cool into the upper 60s and lower 70s.

A brief lull in the thunderstorm activity may be possible behind
morning thunderstorms before additional thunderstorms begin to
develop by the afternoon. Strong daytime heating allow
temperatures to quickly climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s.
Additional thunderstorms are forecast to develop across western
portions of the area and along remnant outflow along and north
of Interstate 80 through the afternoon and evening. Eventually
these thunderstorms will slowly move eastward as one or more
lines through the region. With this activity, a Slight Risk
(Level 2 of 5) of thunderstorms is possible. Damaging winds
remain the primary hazard, but isolated large hail or an
isolated tornado can not be ruled out. Otherwise, flash flooding
remains a concern, especially for areas that received rainfall
Thursday or multiple rounds on Friday. River flooding may
become a concern as well. At present, total rainfall through
Saturday appears to remain between 1 and 2 inches with locally
higher amounts near 3 or more inches possible for areas that
receive multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Once again,
thunderstorms begin to weaken and exit the area by Saturday
morning as temperatures cool into the upper 60s and lower 70s.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 154 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

With the main trough expected to push east of the area by
Saturday afternoon, only isolated to widely scattered
thunderstorms are forecast. Temperatures will otherwise remain
seasonal. Sunday will likely remain dry with overall beautiful
July weather for the region. Temperatures heat up into the 90s
early next week ahead of our next weather system that should
bring the return of rain chances by the middle of next week.
Temperatures will return to near normal before a potential cold
front later in the week brings cooler temperatures to the area.
Below normal temperatures in the upper 70s may be possible
towards the end of the week.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1204 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

VFR conditions are generally expected through the period with
light southerly winds between 5 to 10 kts. There remains high
uncertainty with regards to any afternoon and evening
thunderstorms. Aviation impacts appear unlikely as coverage
should remain limited if any thunderstorms develop. Late this
evening and early tonight, from between approximately 02Z to
07Z, thunderstorm development is expected north of I-80. These
thunderstorms will generally be widely scattered with the
highest chance of impacts at DBQ. A more likely area of
thunderstorms moves into the region from the west after 06Z.
Impacts to DBQ are expected with lower probability of impacts at
CID and MLI. MVFR ceilings and visibility within thunderstorms
with variable and gusty winds can be expected with this
activity. BRL is expected to remain south of this activity
currently. Thunderstorms may continue into the late morning and
early afternoon on Friday across portions of the area.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...None.
IL...None.
MO...None.

&&

SHORT TERM...NWS
LONG TERM...NWS
AVIATION...NWS

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 10, 12:51 PM CST, 3 hours 44 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
151 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-111900-
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-
151 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

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...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

There is a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather this
afternoon and tonight. A few strong to severe thunderstorms are
expected, especially along and north of Interstate 80. Damaging
winds are the primary hazard, but an isolated tornado can not be
ruled out.

In addition to potential severe weather, flash flooding may also
be possible. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing very
heavy rainfall. There will be a threat of flash flooding,
especially for areas that receive repeated rounds of
thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

Additional rounds of thunderstorms are expected during the
afternoon on Friday through the early morning on Saturday. There
is a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms during
this time. Damaging winds will remain the main hazard with an
isolated large hail and tornado threat.

Flash flooding will continue to be possible across the area,
especially in areas that received rainfall Thursday or multiple
rounds on Friday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon into tonight,
especially along and north of Interstate 80. Spotter activation
may also be needed across the area on Friday.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 10, 2:30 PM CST, 2 hours 5 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Jul 10, 3:44 PM CST, 51 minutes before

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Special weather statement, Jul 10, 3:48 PM CST, 47 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
448 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

IAZ063-064-102230-
Iowa IA-Johnson IA-
448 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Iowa
and west central Johnson Counties through 530 PM CDT...

At 447 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles south of Oxford, or 13 miles west of Iowa City, moving east at
15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could cause minor tree limb damage and blow
         around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects
         is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights,
Hills, Oakdale, Iowa City Municipal Airport, Frytown, Windham,
Johnson County Fairgrounds, Cosgrove, and Sharon Center.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 229 and 242.
 Interstate 380 between mile markers 1 and 3.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring and may lead to localized flooding.
Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Stay away from
flooded areas. Report any flooding to local law enforcement.

&&

LAT...LON 4153 9183 4168 9188 4175 9160 4157 9151
TIME...MOT...LOC 2147Z 257DEG 14KT 4161 9180

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

McClure

Special weather statement, Jul 10, 4:34 PM CST, 1 minute before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
534 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

IAZ064-065-067-102315-
Muscatine IA-Cedar IA-Johnson IA-
534 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Muscatine, southwestern Cedar and southeastern Johnson Counties
through 615 PM CDT...

At 534 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Hills, or near Iowa City, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could cause minor tree limb damage and blow
         around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects
         is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Iowa City, West Branch, Coralville, West Liberty, University Heights,
Hills, Nichols, Springdale, Iowa City Municipal Airport, Muscatine
County Fairgrounds, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Hills Access, Herbert
Hoover National Historic Site, and University Of Iowa.

This includes Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 244 and 263.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring and may lead to localized flooding.
Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Stay away from
flooded areas. Report any flooding to local law enforcement.

&&

LAT...LON 4154 9162 4171 9155 4166 9117 4144 9119
TIME...MOT...LOC 2234Z 288DEG 21KT 4160 9150

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

McClure

The radar

The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 77 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:37 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 flash flood, 3 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Johnson

When: July 10, 4:35 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, 2.18 mi ENE of Iowa City Muni Arpt
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.640, -91.510

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: July 10, 4:35 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, 2.18 mi ENE of Iowa City Muni Arpt
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.640, -91.510

A trained spotter report that there was a 6 to 8 inch tree trunk snapped by thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Johnson

When: July 10, 4:37 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, 0.86 mi SE of Iowa City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.660, -91.540

Tornado, Jackson

When: July 10, 5:44 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2.47 mi NW of Crab Town
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 42.200, -90.840

Based on storm chaser video, a brief multiple vortex tornado occurred. This tornado is rated as an EF-U.

Flash Flood, Dubuque

When: July 10, 6:20 PM CST to 8:30 PM CST
Where: Dubuque County, 0.69 mi N of Dubuque to 1 mi S of Dubuque
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 42.510, -90.670

The Emergency Manager reports street flooding through parts of the downtown area, with a car stranded in water near the 17th and Locust Street interchange. Creeks in the area are also near bankful. Waters are slowly starting to recede as the rain ended.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clinton

When: July 10, 6:48 PM CST
Where: Clinton County, 2.95 mi NNE of Clinton
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.870, -90.180

A trained spotter reported that a couple of trees were downed. One tree was 2 to 3 feet in diameter. The time of the event was estimated using radar.

Flash Flood, Clinton

When: July 10, 7:20 PM CST to 11:01 PM CST
Where: Clinton County, 2.95 mi NNE of Clinton to 2.98 mi NNE of Clinton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.870, -90.180

A trained spotter reported xix inches of flowing water on multiple roads. It is difficult for vehicles to drive in.

Flash Flood, Clinton

When: July 10, 7:46 PM CST to 11:01 PM CST
Where: Clinton County, 2.14 mi NNE of Clinton to 2.18 mi NNE of Clinton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.860, -90.190

A trained spotter relayed a report of 1 to 2 feet of standing water along 16th Avenue N in Clinton.

Hail, Clinton

When: July 10, 8:17 PM CST
Where: Clinton County, 1.69 mi WNW of Clinton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 41.840, -90.230

The location and time of the event was estimated using radar.

Flash Flood, Scott

When: July 10, 9:30 PM CST to 11:21 PM CST
Where: Scott County, 0.86 mi SW of Davenport to 0.9 mi SW of Davenport
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.520, -90.590

The Emergency Manager relayed reports of 2 to 3 feet of water through several streets of Davenport, specifically around the River Drive and 2nd Street area. Within that area, there are cars that are stranded in the water, with reports of water rescues ongoing.

Flash Flood, Jackson

When: July 10, 9:53 PM CST to 11:01 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Sabula to 0.5 mi NW of Sabula
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 42.070, -90.170

Jackson county 911 relayed a report of flash flood damage in the town of Sabula. Sabula fire department was reportedly pumping water out of houses.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Iowa, 2025 Warnings in Iowa, July 2025

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1280593, 1280601, 1280594, 1280616, 1281714, 1280602, 1281717, 1281720, 1280600, 1281724, 1281725.