Eastern Iowa residents should prepare for potentially severe weather tonight, as storms are forecasted to hit the region between 7 p.m. and midnight. The storms could bring large hail, torrential rain, and gusty winds, particularly for areas along and south of I-80. The National Weather Service has placed much of the region under a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather, which includes hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and heavy downpours that could cause localized flooding.
According to the National Weather Service’s Quad Cities office, the heaviest rainfall is expected near I-80, where areas could receive up to an inch or more of rain, with amounts tapering north of the interstate. The storms are also likely to produce lightning, posing additional hazards for those traveling at night. Residents are urged to stay updated through weather alerts, especially as the risk of severe weather will persist into the early morning hours.
The forecast warns that dry soils may allow the rain to soak in more efficiently, but brief periods of heavy rain could still lead to road flooding. Motorists on I-80 should be cautious, as ponding water and poor visibility may develop quickly. If you’re driving tonight, be prepared for sudden weather changes and avoid areas prone to flooding. The threat of severe storms continues into Friday, though conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.
Looking ahead, the weather should begin to stabilize by Saturday, with cooler, calmer conditions expected through the start of next week. However, intermittent showers could still affect some parts of the region. Residents should stay alert for updates and avoid unnecessary travel during the storms.
