Davenport, Iowa – Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue moving across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois through this evening, bringing lightning, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds that could briefly impact travel, especially north of the Interstate 80 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are moving east-northeast at 20 to 25 mph, with the most widespread activity expected along and within about 30 miles north of Interstate 80 through the evening hours.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few stronger storm cells may produce wind gusts up to 40 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and locally heavy downpours that could lead to ponding on roadways and reduced visibility. Wind gusts may also be strong enough to break small tree branches or blow around unsecured outdoor objects.
Communities including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Clinton, Maquoketa, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Princeton should remain alert for changing weather conditions as storms continue moving east-northeast.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 61 and other regional roadways should slow down during periods of heavy rain and never drive through water-covered roads. If thunder is heard, move indoors immediately, as lightning can strike well away from the heaviest rainfall.
The thunderstorm activity is expected to gradually diminish later this evening, but residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service in case additional stronger cells develop before the storms exit the region.
