Davenport, Iowa – A surge of heat and humidity will set the stage for potentially severe thunderstorms across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois late Sunday, with the greatest threat expected Sunday night as storms move into the region.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities, thunderstorms may develop northwest of the area before tracking southeast into eastern Iowa and western Illinois late Sunday afternoon and especially Sunday night. While the exact timing and storm coverage remain uncertain, forecasters say the environment will be favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms if storms are able to organize.
A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk has been issued for locations north of Highway 30, including areas near Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Clinton and portions of the northern Quad Cities region. The remainder of the forecast area, including Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Muscatine, Iowa City, Galesburg and Burlington, is under a Level 1 out of 5 severe weather risk.
The primary hazards with any severe storms will be damaging straight-line winds capable of bringing down tree limbs and fences, along with heavy rainfall that could lead to localized ponding on roads. Lightning will also pose a danger to anyone outdoors.
Residents should review severe weather plans before Sunday evening and make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight when storms may arrive after many people are asleep. If thunder roars, move indoors immediately.
The National Weather Service will continue refining the forecast through the weekend, and additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence in storm timing and intensity increases.
