The National Weather Service office in Quad Cities IA/IL issued a Flash Flood Warning early this morning, September 19, at 5:54 AM CDT. The warning remains in effect until 10:15 AM CDT and covers parts of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois.
Areas listed under the warning include Dubuque, Jackson, Clayton, and Fayette counties in Iowa, plus Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties in Illinois. (The alert feed also lists Guam, which appears to be a data-entry artifact rather than part of this Midwest warning.)
A flash flood warning means flooding is already happening or is about to happen – this is more urgent than a watch. Overnight and early-morning heavy rain in the region can quickly overwhelm creeks, streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying roads. Residents in the warned areas may notice rapidly rising water on roadways, water over bridges, and standing water in basements or low spots.
What to keep in mind
If you are in one of the warned counties: never drive through water covering a road – it only takes about 12 inches of moving water to carry off a small car, and the road underneath may be washed out. If you live near a creek or in a flood-prone area, be ready to move to higher ground quickly, and keep your phone charged with wireless emergency alerts enabled. The warning expires at 10:15 AM CDT, but it could be extended or reissued if heavy rain continues, so check local conditions before morning travel.
This alert is based on data from the National Weather Service (NWS Quad Cities IA/IL office).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in the warned area?
Avoid driving through flooded roads – turn around and find another route. If you live near a stream or low-lying area, be prepared to move to higher ground quickly, since flash flooding can develop in minutes.
How long will this warning last?
The current warning runs until 10:15 AM CDT on September 19, but the NWS may extend it or issue new warnings if heavy rain continues.
Which counties are affected?
Dubuque, Jackson, Clayton, and Fayette counties in Iowa, and Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties in Illinois. A Guam listing in the feed appears to be a data error.
Is it safe to walk or drive through floodwater?
No – as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult down, and 12 inches can sweep away a small vehicle. Floodwater can also hide washed-out roads, debris, and downed power lines.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: First Quarter (56% illuminated), in Capricorn.
Notable planetary angles: Mercury opposite Saturn (178°), Sun sextile Mars (62°), Moon sextile Venus (58°), Mercury sextile Jupiter (57°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 1.7; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
