Quad Cities, IA/IL – Strong thunderstorms are expected to impact Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois in two rounds beginning early Sunday, bringing threats of damaging winds, large hail, and a chance of tornadoes east of the Mississippi River.
According to the US National Weather Service Quad Cities, the first round of storms will develop overnight, beginning at midnight and continuing through 10 a.m. Sunday. The primary risk during this period is hail up to the size of U.S. quarters, especially in areas west of the Mississippi River, with damaging winds as a secondary concern.
The second round is forecast from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, with threats shifting east of the Mississippi into Illinois. Damaging winds and quarter-sized hail remain the primary risks, though a brief tornado cannot be ruled out, especially in central and western Illinois.
Residents are advised to monitor local alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight. Secure outdoor items and review severe weather safety plans. These storm systems are categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale, indicating marginal to slight risk.
Travelers should be cautious of rapidly changing conditions and possible power outages Sunday afternoon.
