On July 11th, a line of severe thunderstorms moved across eastern Iowa and produced damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and heavy rain. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches fell in a few hours across the Quad Cities, on top of heavy rain from the previous night and caused major flash flooding in Davenport.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS DVN wrote it up.
On July 11th, a line of severe thunderstorms moved across eastern Iowa and produced damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and heavy rain. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches fell in a few hours across the Quad Cities, on top of heavy rain from the previous night and caused major flash flooding in Davenport. A Considerable Flash Flood warning was issued at 5:26 PM followed by a Flash Flood Emergency at 6:16 PM.
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 11, 12:28 PM CST, 1 hour 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
128 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) of severe weather is expected
this afternoon into tonight. Damaging winds are the primary
hazard. A few tornadoes and large hail can not be ruled out.
- Flash flooding is likely for portions of the area, especially
for those that have received 2 to 4 inches of rainfall within
the last 24 hours. Rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour
are expected. Additional rainfall amounts between 1 to 3
inches are possible.
- Quieter weather arrives this weekend with only isolated
thunderstorms. Temperatures begin to increase next week ahead
of our next weather system by the middle of the week.
Increasing thunderstorm chances are expected with this next
system.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
Several locations across the area received 2 to 4 inches of rainfall
over the last 24 hours. This will contribute greatly to the expected
hazards through tonight. In the meantime, a decaying area of showers
and thunderstorms continues to lift northeastward out of our region.
A positively-tilted shortwave trough is situated over the central
Great Plains and is expected to progress eastward through this
afternoon and evening. Late this morning and early this afternoon,
pockets of sunshine allow for rapid daytime heating and
destabilization. Temperatures reach the middle to upper 80s along
and south of Interstate 80, with upper 70s and lower 80s to the
north where clouds linger. This sets the stage for a very active
afternoon and evening.
With the approaching trough and afternoon destabilization,
thunderstorm development is expected near convective outflow from
morning thunderstorms across our north and ahead of the approaching
trough to our west. These thunderstorms are forecast to develop in a
favorable environment for severe weather and flash flooding. As
such, the Storm Prediction Center has upgraded to an Enhanced Risk
(Level 3 of 5) over the area. Convectively-enhanced low-level winds
support curved hodographs that favor supercell development
initially. These supercells will pose an all hazards threat, with
damaging winds, marginally large hail, and even a few tornadoes
possible. Flash flooding will be another hazard. Low-level winds
favor continuous moisture transport from the southwest into our
area, alongside an already deep-saturated airmass. Given weak and
backed upper-level winds, high-precipation rates are expected. 2 to
4 inch per hour rainfall rates are probable. As the afternoon and
evening progresses, additional thunderstorm development and gradual
upscale growth into lines of thunderstorms is anticipated. This
upscale growth will transition the hazards to a primary threat of
damaging winds and flash flooding as cold pools congeal. With that
said, a couple tornadoes can not be ruled out. Slow movement and
training of thunderstorms appears likely. Weaker upper-level winds
and shear vectors generally in the same direction as thunderstorm
orientation supports prolonged heavy rainfall. With this
expectation, widespread additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is
forecast with locally higher amounts possible. A Flood Watch is in
effect for much of the area as a result due to this threat of flash
flooding and river flooding.
Late tonight and into early Saturday morning, thunderstorms
gradually shift eastward, along with the trough and precipitation
tapers off by midnight with any lingering showers and thunderstorms
dissipating after midnight. Patchy fog may develop behind this
rainfall with plentiful moisture and cooler temperatures filling in
behind this activity. Temperatures cool into the upper 60s by
Saturday morning as remnant clouds continue to linger.
&&
.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
With widespread cloud cover and rain-cooled air lingering Saturday
morning, comparatively quieter weather is anticipated for Saturday.
With that said, at least a few afternoon thunderstorms can be
expected during the mid-afternoon before everything clears to the
east by evening. Temperatures reach the middle 80s across the area
on Saturday. Cooler temperatures continue on Sunday, with morning
temperatures down into the lower 60s and afternoon temperatues
reaching the middle 80s once again. Mostly sunny skies offer up
beautiful weather to end the weekend. Temperatures climb back into
the upper 80s and lower 90s to start the week under mostly sunny
skies and ahead of our next system. Heading towards the middle of
the week, our next weather system brings increasing thunderstorm
chances and cooling temperatures. A cold front could bring upper 70s
and lower 80s to the area late in the week.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1212 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
VFR conditions and southeast winds are expected during the early
afternoon. A few showers and thunderstorms have developed near and
north of CID and DBQ. Brief aviation impacts and VCTS are possible
through early afternoon. As the afternoon progresses, thunderstorm
development is expected near western terminals initially. Scattered
thunderstorms may proceed a stronger line of thunderstorms that
moves east across the region this afternoon and evening. Gusty and
variable winds are expected with these thunderstorms. MVFR
visibility and ceilings are likely with thunderstorms with
reductions to IFR ceilings and visibility possible at times. Behind
these thunderstorms late this evening, rain may linger along
with MVFR ceilings. Fog is expected to develop across the area
once rain ends with MVFR visibility with MVFR or IFR ceilings
after midnight. Eventual clearing will arrive towards the end
of the TAF period.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 107 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
What is NEW...
Flood watches have been issued for the Wapsipinicon River near
DeWitt and for the Mississippi River from Gladstone, IL (L/D 18) to
Burlington, IA.
Discussion...
Bands of heavy rain fell across eastern Iowa and northwest and
west central Illinois. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 4 inches with
3-4+ inches in the bands of heavier rainfall. The urban areas of
Dubuque and the Quad Cities were hit hard with heavy rainfall
last night and are especially at risk for flooding.
Most of the area is abnormally dry or in moderate drought and
transpiration from agricultural fields is near maximum.
As of right now river gages are showing little to no increases
suggesting a good chunk of last nights rainfall appears to have
soaked into the ground. However, another round of heavy rainfall
is expected late this afternoon through sunrise Saturday. Early
estimates suggest another 1 to 3 inches of rain occurring with
pockets of 3+ inches possible due to PWATs above the 90th
percentile.
If the heavier bands of rain occur in roughly the same areas as
last night, then considerable runoff will occur due to soils
being near saturation. If the heavier rain occurs in areas that
received less rainfall last night, then a good portion of the
rain may soak into the ground.
Regardless of which scenario occurs, baseline ground water flow
will increase and eventually reach area waterways. As a result,
area rivers are forecast to see general within bank rises over
next next 5-7 days. If the upcoming round of heavy rain occurs
in areas that have saturated soils, then portions of some rivers
may reach flood stage.
&&
.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Flood Watch until 1 AM CDT Saturday for IAZ040>042-051>054-
063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099.
IL...Flood Watch until 1 AM CDT Saturday for ILZ001-002-007-009-
015>018-024>026.
MO...None.
&&
SHORT TERM...NWS
LONG TERM...NWS
AVIATION...NWS
HYDROLOGY...08Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 124 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025 IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007- 009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-121830- 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- 124 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 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 Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through the early morning on Saturday. An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is in place. Damaging winds and a few tornadoes will be the main threats, with isolated large hail being a secondary threat. Flash flooding will continue to be possible across the area, especially for areas that received heavy rainfall on Thursday, or where multiple rounds of thunderstorms impact today. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY Isolated thunderstorms remain possible on Saturday, particularly for areas along and east of the Mississippi River. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is likely needed this afternoon through tonight.
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
1024 AM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1024 AM Rain 2 W Genoa Bluff 41.72N 92.18W
07/11/2025 M1.50 Inch Iowa IA Trained Spotter
24 hr total ending at 7 AM.
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
1053 AM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
IAZ040-041-051-052-111700-
Linn IA-Buchanan IA-Delaware IA-Benton IA-
1053 AM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
...A slow-moving thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Linn, Buchanan, northwestern Delaware and northern Benton Counties
through NOON CDT...
At 1052 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a slow-moving thunderstorm
near Brandon, or 8 miles northeast of Vinton, moving northeast at 60
mph.
HAZARD...Minor flooding.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Slowing or redirecting of traffic due to ponding or flowing
water. Closure of waterfront access due to flooding.
Locations impacted include...
Independence, Vinton, Manchester, Center Point, Urbana, Shellsburg,
Newhall, Edgewood, Winthrop, Walker, Quasqueton, Lamont, Garrison,
Brandon, Rowley, Greeley, Aurora, Dundee, Mount Auburn, and
Masonville.
This includes Interstate 380 between mile markers 35 and 55.
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.
If the heavy rain continues, a flash flood warning may be needed.
&&
LAT...LON 4197 9195 4216 9226 4230 9212 4230 9206
4235 9207 4264 9176 4265 9123
TIME...MOT...LOC 1552Z 221DEG 53KT 4227 9195
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
GunkelPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
1138 AM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1138 AM Rain 1 SSW Geneseo 41.44N 90.16W
07/11/2025 M1.00 Inch Henry IL Trained Spotter
&&
DCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
254 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
IAZ040>042-051-052-112130-
Linn IA-Buchanan IA-Delaware IA-Benton IA-Dubuque IA-
254 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025
...Repeated thunderstorms will impact portions of Linn, Buchanan,
Delaware, Benton and Dubuque Counties through the afternoon...
At 253 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking slow-moving heavy rain
producing thunderstorms along a line extending from near Maynard to
near Rock Creek Lake. Movement was northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Minor flooding and wind gusts in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could cause minor tree limb damage and blow
around unsecured objects. Slowing or redirecting of traffic
due to ponding or flowing water. Closure of waterfront
access due to flooding.
Locations impacted include...
Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Independence, Vinton, Manchester, Marion,
Hiawatha, Asbury, Dyersville, Robins, Belle Plaine, Jesup, Center
Point, Cascade, Fairfax, Epworth, East Dubuque, Atkins, Farley, and
Walford.
This includes Interstate 380 between mile markers 16 and 55.
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.
If the heavy rain continues, a flash flood warning may be needed.
&&
LAT...LON 4264 9071 4254 9064 4247 9065 4238 9048
4238 9066 4230 9067 4230 9136 4207 9137
4186 9179 4186 9230 4230 9230 4230 9206
4264 9208 4265 9090 4268 9089
TIME...MOT...LOC 1953Z 238DEG 44KT 4271 9183 4178 9288
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
FriedleinThe Des Moines radar (KDMX), 130 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:18 UTC.
35 thunderstorm wind, 19 flash flood, 13 tornado, 2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
An EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 105 mph hit a farm outbuilding around 320 PM. The path continued through corn hitting a house, snapping some trees and destroying a garage at the end of its 3.8 mile long and 20 yard wide path. The peak estimated winds were 105 MPH.
A trained spotter shared a photo of a tree snapped near the base. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
A public report of a 62 knot thunderstorm wind gusts measured with a personal weather station.
This tornado touched down in rural Benton County. The tornado was on the ground for about 0.8 miles in Benton County before moving into Linn County. The tornado caused mainly damage to trees.
This tornado tracked through some rural residences and wooded areas near the Cedar River in far eastern Benton and far western Linn Counties. Damage was mainly to trees, including numerous uprooted or snapped, though a few homes and garages had roof damage. The tornado ended on the south end of Center Point. Within the town of Center Point, damage appeared to be due to straight-line winds. The peak estimated winds were 95 MPH.
An NWS Storm Survey found widespread tree damage throughout town.
The Emergency Manager reported that power was out with damage to trees and a gazebo. Tree branches are also down.
A trained spotter reported dime to nickel size hail occurring right now.
The Emergency Manager reported half of a maple tree down in the city.
A trained spotter reported that the top half of a very large tree down.
A trained spotter reported that some trees snapped and a mobile home damaged. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
This tornado intensified rapidly after development, and there was a visual from a farmstead to the north of the tornado developing. A dozen large trees at the first homestead hit were downed, some thrown, and heavy outbuilding, garage, and home roof damage. Further there were other homesteads/farmsteads that had outbuilding damage, utility poles downed (in one case thrown), and many trees snapped.
A public report of flash flooding in Independence.
A trained spotter reported street flooding in Vinton.
A trained spotter estimated thunderstorm wind gusts of 60 to 70 MPH with no damage reported.
A trained spotter also reported half inch tree limbs coming down.
The Emergency Manager reported that a semi was blown over on I-380. Also, there are widespread reports of trees down in the northern port of the county.
A trained spotter reported that a very large tree was snapped off 10 feet above the ground, and was blocking the road.
This tornado developed just east of the Wapsipinicon River in Linn County and crossed into Jones County ending near U.S. Highway 151. The EF-1 tornado snapped large trees were found at a few locations, along with roof damage to a mobile home. The peak estimated winds were 100 MPH.
This tornado developed just east of the Wapsipinicon River in Linn County and crossed into Jones County ending near U.S. Highway 151. Snapped large trees were found at a few locations, along with roof damage to a mobile home.
A public report of flash flooding in Vinton.
NWS Cooperative Observer relayed damage photos of a large tree that was split near the base. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
Photos and video relayed on X of a large tree uprooted at a farmstead along with a blown down shed. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
A brief EF-0 tornado with a 1.6 mile long track was identified from satellite data as well as pictures from Delaware County EMA. The wall of a farm outbuilding was destroyed along with some tree damage. The path continued through some crops to the southeast before the tornado lifted. The peak estimated were 85 MPH.
Widespread tree damage in town that extended northward along Highway 38 to near Sand Springs in Delaware County.
This tornado tracked through wooded areas of northeast Jones County. Significant tree damage occurred, including along the Maquoketa River in the Ebys Mill Wildlife area.
An EF-1 tornado with a maximum estimated wind speed of 95 MPH identified by satellite data and confirmed by aerial survey. This tornado damaged mainly crops along its 3.4 mile long path. Towards the end of its path it destroyed a hoop building, removed a roof of a farm outbuilding and destroyed a garage at a residence. A woman was trapped in the garage as it collapsed around her.
Emergency Manager reported a 90 MPG thunderstorm wind gust.
Many trees with trunks snapped at this location.
A 0.8 mile long EF-1 tornado with peak estimated wind speed of 95 mph caused damage to trees and a county road maintenance shed in Bernard. This tornado was surrounded by straight line wind damage with winds from 80 to 90 MPH.
A public report of numerous trees down with the main road in town blocked by falling trees.
Broadcast Media reported several 4 to 6 inch tree limbs down in Maquoketa. Time of the event was estimated using radar.
An NWS Storm Survey found that the roof of a farm outbuilding was removed.
Evidence of a multiple vortex tornado EF-2 tornado occurred across northern Jackson County. The tornado started north of La Motte where it damaged the roof of an agriculture industry building. As it tracked east the tornado did damage to trees until halfway through its 2.6 mile path where the most intense damage was found. A large farm building lost it's entire roof, along with half of it's walls. Roof sheet metal was found north, south and east of the structure. Insulation from the roof was found on the north, south and east side of the remaining walls. A metal power pole was bent along with a few other wooden poles snap. All this damage supported an EF-2 tornado. As the tornado moved east it destroyed two more farm buildings, numerous trees and the roof of a house.
A public report of damage to a swing set.
A public report of a large tree snapped near its base. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
A trained spotter reported that water was curb deep across the entire road with storm sewers not keeping up with the heavy rain.
This quickly strengthening tornado developed southeast of Blue Grass and maintained 100 to 120 mph winds for much of its path into Davenport ending near Kimberly Rd. The most significant damage occurred at an RV sales business and adjacent residential neighborhood near I-280, as well as in and near Emeis Golf Course. Over 15 RVs were blown over, some blown 10 to 15 ft. The largest tipped over RV was 25,000 lbs. It was estimated over 80 moderate to large trees were snapped or uprooted along the path, in some places with high concentration. At least two unoccupied vehicles had trees fall on them. The mas width of the tornado was 500 yards with peak estimated winds of 120 MPH.
Broadcast Media relayed a report of a large tree branch with down several smaller trees limbs down. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
A NWS Employee reported a tree down along with several 3 inch diameter branches. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
A trained spotter reported that water was halfway up on tires on cars.
An NWS Employee reported numerous tree branches down, some 4-6 inches in diameter, along Duck Creek Parkway between Brady Street and Eastern Street. Tree also snapped off near the base. The time of the event was estimated using radar.
Water up to the bumpers on cars at the intersection of 17th and Locus streets.
Measured by the ASOS at the Davenport Municipal Airport.
A public report of a 2 inch tree limb down. Report was delayed. Time of the event was estimated using radar.
A public reported that several large tree limbs down at 3200 N Harrison St.
This short-lived tornado peeled an approximately 45 x 40 sheet metal section of an outbuilding roof and threw it over 100 yards into a corn field. There was also crop and minor tree damage, and a nearby billboard with some damage.
A trained spotter reported several trees down in LeClaire. the time of the event was estimated using radar.
Law Enforcement Officer reported water of over a foot on Iowa Highway 3 near Northwest Arterial that caused the closing of Highway 3. Other roads in the area are flooded too.
A trained spotter reported a 12 inch diameter tree down.
Law Enforcement Officers reported that flash flooding made roads impassable near Linwood Cemetery.
A public report that water is over a foot deep on Ripley St near Davenport North High School and start to enter buildings.
A trained spotter reported 1 to 2 feet of water over the roadways in this area, some of which was flowing at the time.
A trained spotter reported flash flooding.
A trained spotter reported that Goose Creek out of its banks on West 61st Street. Report of basements flooding in the area.
As storm and winds moved in, top of tree knocked over. Time of the event was estimated using radar.
A public report of flash flooding with water over the car bumpers based on a video.
The Emergency Manager reported that multiple apartments along 35th Street near Duck Creek had their lowest level completely flooded, some near to the ceiling. Reports were that water rushed in quickly. Time of onset estimated based on safety official and media reports. Broadcast Media showed flash flooding 3 feet deep near 35 St.
A public report of flash flooding.
A public report of flash flooding at this location.
A trained spotter Duck Creek at Pine St. was completely out of its banks. The field is flooded behind Williams Middle School, on N Division.
Numerous rural roads closed within the county due to flash flooding and high water this evening.
Water over River Road by the Keokuk Yacht Club.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Iowa in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Iowa, 2025Warnings in Iowa, July 2025
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1281849, 1281797, 1281780, 1281890, 1281893, 1281800, 1281844, 1281778, 1281771, 1281773, 1281774, 1281805, 1281954, 1282016, 1282017, 1281802, 1281775, 1281776, 1281777, 1281952, 1282002, 1282018, 1281793, 1281803, 1281799, 1281992, 1281845, 1281962, 1281999, 1281779, 1281829, 1281946, 1281807, 1281787, 1281839, 1281948, 1281781, 1281811, 1281783, 1282020, and more.