April is ending with showers in hopes of bringing May flowers, as much of Iowa received rainfall over Easter weekend.
On Easter Sunday, Iowa City received 1.61 inches of rain and Coralville 1.8 inches, respectively, while some areas of the state received more than 2 inches. Tornado warnings were issued around the Quad Cities as storms pushed out of the state in the evening of April 20.
Reports of heavy rain northeast of the rural Johnson County town of Oakdale reported 1.85 inches of rain.
Flash flood warnings were also issued for northwestern Johnson County late Sunday night. No official reports of flooding have been confirmed in Johnson County.
According to the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency, Iowa City’s rainfall totals broke the highest total on record for April 20 of 1.59 inches. The 1.61 inches of rain was not the highest total on record in a 24-hour period.
Rainfall totals for April 20 to April 21, 2025.
Cedar Rapids sets a rainfall record
Cedar Rapids, according to the National Weather Service out of the Quad Cities, set a single rainfall record, tallying 2.34 inches of rain on Sunday. The city’s previous record was 1.75 inches in a day in 1973.
What were the highest rainfall totals in Iowa?
Here are the cities in Iowa with the most rainfall from 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, April 21, according to the Iowa State University Mesonet.
More: UI Health Care, Mission Cancer pursue 10-year lease in Des Moines to expand cancer care
Did Iowa City flood?
Most flash flooding was seen in the Cedar Rapids metro area. In Johnson County, Emergency Management said there is general ponding in fields and ditches in the northern part of the county, which likely received the same amount of rain as Cedar Rapids.
“The rain was needed; however, it is always ideal when that rain can be accumulated over a longer stretch to avoid flash flooding,” said Travis Beckman, Deputy EMA Director in Johnson County Iowa. “This reduces the back-ups in drainage systems that cause flooding, especially in urban areas. It also allows the soil to absorb the moisture more equally. Heavy rains on very dry soil may cause runoff or pooling.”
The Johnson County Emergency Management Agency has not received any reports of storm damage.
What is the forecast for Iowa City?
There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday, April 22, with a predicted high temperature of 74 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
It will be a rainy week with more chances for showers and thunderstorms each day through Friday.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: How much rain did Iowa CIty get on Easter? See the highest totals
Read the full article here