May 21, 2004
Strong to severe storms developed north of a stationary front across Iowa and Northern Illinois during the afternoon and evening hours. A strong low level jet continuously pumped copious amounts of moisture over the front that resulted in heavy rain and flash flooding. The proximity of the front allowed sufficient wind shear to be present that allowed 6 tornadoes to develop during peak heating hours across Benton, Linn, and Jones counties. The KDVN 88D radar was taken out by a lightning strik
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5416442). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Linn County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.