Davenport, Iowa – Charge devices and review severe weather plans before 4 p.m. Friday as strong thunderstorms could develop near the Interstate 80 and Interstate 74 corridors, bringing the risk of hail and damaging wind during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois are under a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk Friday. Storms are most likely to form late Friday afternoon and continue through the evening, with the greatest coverage expected between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. along and north of I-80.
Abnormally warm temperatures will fuel instability across Scott, Rock Island and Clinton counties. Forecasters say scattered storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail large enough to dent vehicles. Areas along I-74 through Bettendorf and Moline, as well as Highway 61 and I-280, may see rapidly changing conditions if multiple rounds of storms track over the same locations.
Drivers should prepare for sudden downpours that reduce visibility below one mile and ponding on roadways during peak travel hours. Outdoor plans Friday evening may need adjustments, especially for events without sturdy shelter nearby. Secure loose items, move vehicles into garages if possible and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Storm timing and exact placement remain uncertain, but additional alerts could be issued Friday if storms intensify. The severe threat is expected to diminish closer to midnight as the system shifts east.
