Davenport, Iowa – Drivers across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois could run into bursts of heavy rain and lightning Tuesday morning as scattered thunderstorms track northeast through the Quad Cities region, bringing the risk of hail and brief street flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, numerous showers with embedded thunderstorms will continue pushing east-northeast through early afternoon. The strongest cells may produce frequent lightning, soaking downpours, and hail up to half-dollar size before activity gradually weakens later in the day.
The most consistent storm coverage stretches from Burlington through the Quad Cities and toward Sterling, Illinois, where rain rates could briefly overwhelm drainage systems. Ponding may develop on roads such as Interstate 74 and sections of U.S. Highway 61 near Davenport and Bettendorf, slowing the late-morning commute.
Cities including Moline, Rock Island, and Muscatine may also see isolated stronger storms, though coverage becomes more scattered west of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Storms are moving quickly toward the east-northeast at roughly 45 mph, meaning conditions can change rapidly within minutes.
Officials urge residents to head indoors when thunder is heard and allow extra travel time due to reduced visibility and possible hydroplaning during heavier bursts of rain.
Storm chances should taper later Tuesday afternoon, though additional updates could be issued if stronger cells develop across the region.
