City responds to overnight storms

Around 11 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2026, a strong storm made its way through Iowa City.

The Iowa City Fire Department responded to multiple calls for service related to the storm, including lightning strikes, someone trapped in their home due to a downed tree, and a report of a fire at 2128 S. Riverside Drive.

Several homes throughout Iowa City sustained damage from fallen trees and tree limbs. Additional calls for service included downed powerlines and two people trapped in an elevator.

No injuries have been reported in association with any of these incidents. The Iowa City Fire Department was assisted by Iowa City Police, Johnson County Ambulance, Coralville Fire Department, North Liberty Fire Department, Solon Fire Department, West Branch Fire Department, Mid-American Energy, Iowa City Forestry, Johnson County Emergency Management, and the Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center.

The City asks that trees and limbs impacting public areas such as roads and sidewalks be reported to ICgovXpress. Downed trees and limbs on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

We appreciate your patience as City crews work through the reports of downed trees and limbs.

What to do with tree branches

Fallen branches on private property can be cut, bundled up to collection specifications, and left on the curbside or in your compost cart. A $2 yard waste sticker is required for each paper bag or bundle of yard waste placed at the curb for collection using Iowa City curbside collection services.

Branches can also be taken to the compost facility at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, 3900 Hebl Ave SW, during regular business. Please note that regular yard waste fees apply: the cost is $24/ton wtih a $5 minimum that covers the first 400 pounds.

How to report storm damage

Storm damage can be reported to Johnson County Emergency Management using their free phone app, JoCo Ready. iPhone and Android users can go to the Apple Store or Google Play store, respectively, and search for "JoCo Ready." Select "Report Storm Damage" from the menu options.