Iowa, IL – The National Weather Service Quad Cities has issued a tornado watch for parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin until 8 PM CDT Saturday. Residents in the affected areas, primarily north of I-80, should remain vigilant for any warnings this evening.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the tornado watch includes the potential for a couple of tornadoes, scattered hail up to two inches in diameter, and wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. Key cities under the watch include Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, and Clinton in Iowa, along with Madison, Beloit, and Lake Delton in Wisconsin.
The weather service advises residents to monitor local news and weather alerts closely. With over 2.5 million people, 1,086 schools, and 73 hospitals potentially affected, preparedness is crucial. The conditions are conducive to severe thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes with little warning.
Authorities urge people in these areas to have a safety plan in place and be ready to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued. Stay tuned to weather updates and heed any instructions from local officials to ensure safety.