Dubuque, Iowa – Scattered strong thunderstorms could impact the Friday morning commute across northeast Iowa and northwest Illinois, with wind gusts topping 40 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, the storms are expected to track eastward across counties north of Highway 20 through 7 a.m., bringing frequent lightning, brief downpours, and damaging gusts. The highest storm coverage is anticipated north of Highway 29, including cities like Waterloo, Dubuque, and Freeport.
Hazards include localized tree damage from gusty winds, lightning-related power outages, and minor hail damage to vehicles and crops. Motorists traveling early on I-380, US-20, or Highway 61 should plan for sudden low visibility and slick roads. Officials urge residents to head indoors when thunder is heard and avoid sheltering under trees.
These early storms mark one of the first severe convective events of the season for parts of Iowa. While no tornadoes are expected, NWS advises monitoring local alerts in case warnings are issued closer to sunrise.
Storm chances are expected to diminish after 7 a.m., but additional alerts remain possible if storm activity intensifies or lingers longer than anticipated.
