Flash Flood — Jackson, Iowa

2011-07-27 to 2011-07-28 · near Garry Owen, Jackson, Iowa

Event narrative

Torrential downpours of rain fell across much of northeastern Jackson County during the evening of July 27 and early morning hours of July 28 resulting in flash flooding of much of the area. Rainfall totals of 7 to 15 inches were common across the area, with most of the rain falling in under 12 hours.

Several bridges were closed and roads washed out in northern Jackson County, including the bridge on 308th Street between Sieverding Ridge Road and U.S. 52, a wooden bridge in Tete De Morts Township on High Bridge Road, and a bridge on 248th Avenue. Some culverts on 370th Street were destroyed. Spruce Creek Park was evacuated. Some basements in Bellevue were also flooded. Annie's Acres along Mill Creek Road was also flooded.

Wider weather episode

Hot and humid conditions prevailed across the region July 27, as a warm front lifted northward into northeast Iowa. Showers and thunderstorms developed along the Highway 20 corridor in Dubuque, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties during the early evening hours of July 27. They continued to redevelop and move over the same areas for about 18 hours. Record-setting rainfall totals of 7 to 15 inches resulted in flash flooding of much of the area. The Mississippi River at Dubuque, IA even rose about 4 feet in 12 hours due to the excessive rainfall. In addition to the heavy rains and flooding, some of the stronger storms produced large hail and 2 brief tornadoes. High temperatures on July 27 topped out in the lower and middle 90s. Due to the high humidity levels, low temperatures the morning of July 28 only managed to slip into the 70s and lower 80s.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (42.2950, -90.8300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 332388. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.