Davenport, Iowa – Widespread rain is set to soak the Quad Cities region beginning Thursday, raising concerns for ponding water, rising rivers, and a transition to snow as colder air moves in late Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, rain is expected to continue from Thursday through Friday night, with rainfall totals between one-half and one inch likely across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The prolonged rainfall could lead to water collecting on roadways, increased runoff, and the potential for ice jams to break up on area rivers and streams.
Cities including Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, Clinton, and Muscatine may see the steadiest rain Thursday into early Friday. Travel impacts are most likely during heavier downpours, particularly along Interstate 80, Interstate 74, and Highway 61, where reduced visibility and standing water could slow traffic.
A brief lull in precipitation is possible Friday before another system arrives late Friday night. As colder air pushes in, rain is expected to change over to snow from northwest to southeast. Forecasters say accumulating snow is likely for parts of the region Friday night into Saturday, with the highest chances along and north of I-80. There is currently a 30 to 60 percent chance of more than one inch of snow in those areas, though amounts remain uncertain.
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely, prepare for changing travel conditions, and remain alert for additional updates as the late-week system evolves.
