Davenport, Iowa – Strong storms are expected to sweep across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois late Tuesday, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding, particularly south of the Quad Cities.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a humid air mass ahead of a cold front will fuel rounds of showers and storms from this afternoon into early Wednesday. The strongest storms are expected between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with estimated rainfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour and peak totals over 2 inches possible. Some isolated areas south of I-80 could see over 3 inches.
Cities including Muscatine, Macomb, Keokuk, and Galesburg may experience the heaviest rainfall, with minor flooding possible in low-lying roads and urban neighborhoods. Gusty winds up to 45 mph could also down small limbs and cause brief power outages. The NWS has issued a Level 2 “Slight Risk” for severe weather in these regions.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through water-covered roads, monitor alerts, and secure outdoor items. Evening commuters should plan for delays due to reduced visibility and ponding on highways like US-34 and IL-110.
Storms taper off by early Wednesday, but more updates may follow if conditions worsen overnight.
