Severe Weather and Flooding Expected Across Iowa Tonight and Tuesday

Thunderstorm chances will increase across Iowa beginning this evening, according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis. Severe weather will be possible, primarily in the form of damaging winds. Additional thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon through the evening. These storms could meet several criteria for severe weather, with hail and high speed wings possible along with localized, heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to stay weather-aware and ensure they have ways to receive warnings. The anticipated rainfall will add to already-rising water levels, affecting bodies of water from small creeks and streams to the Mississippi River. Notably, the Upper Iowa River at Kendallville is on track to reach a new record flood level. The NWS predicts it will reach 15.57 feet, with a projected crest late tonight or early Monday morning. In Bluffton, the Upper Iowa River is expected to reach 11.8 feet by 1 a.m. Monday morning, below the flood stage of 14 feet. Meanwhile, in Decorah, the river is projected to reach 8.5 feet by 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, also below the flood stage of 12 feet. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to prepare. The variable factor remains the amount of additional rainfall expected in the next 24-48 hours, which could change projections quickly. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.