- Seasonally cool
- FIRST ALERT DAY Wednesday for potential severe weather
QUAD CITIES, Iowa/Ill. (KWQC) – Wednesday is shaping up to be a busy weather day across the Quad Cities, with two rounds of strong to severe storms expected and all modes of severe weather on the table. A Flood Watch is also in effect for parts of west-central Illinois through Wednesday evening as heavy rain could lead to localized flooding.
The first round arrives early Wednesday morning, generally now through 11 a.m. These storms will be capable of producing damaging winds of 70+ mph.
until 11AM(kwqc)
After a break late in the morning, attention turns to the afternoon and early evening when the atmosphere is expected to recharge. This second round, developing roughly between noon and 7 p.m., has the potential to be more impactful. Large hail, damaging wind gusts over 75 mph and a few tornadoes are all possible. The greatest tornado threat currently appears to be across west-central Illinois where wind shear will be strongest.
One of the biggest concerns is that storms will likely develop as discrete supercells before eventually growing into clusters. Supercells are capable of producing all severe weather hazards and can become dangerous quickly. These storms will also be moving fast, close to 50 mph, meaning warnings may have short lead times.
Flash flooding possible(kwqc)
The timing is not ideal. Morning storms could impact the commute and school travel, while the afternoon and evening round arrives when many people are out and about. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and know where you would go if a warning is issued.
In addition to the severe weather threat, heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in areas that are hit by both rounds of storms. Never drive through water-covered roads.
Once we get through Wednesday, quieter weather returns Thursday and Friday with temperatures running below normal. The active pattern doesn’t stay away long, though, as another system could bring additional showers and thunderstorms late this weekend.
Stay with the First Alert Weather team throughout the day as we’ll be tracking changes in timing and storm intensity and bringing you updates as warnings are issued.
QUAD CITIES FORECAST AT A GLANCE
TODAY: Strong storms High 79º Winds: SW 10-20 mph.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Low: 59º Winds: NW 5-10 mph.
TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 75º. Winds: NW 5-10 mph.
FIRST ALERT DAYS are issued to inform you of inconvenient, hazardous, or potentially dangerous weather in our viewing area–weather that could impact you and your family. Look for frequent updates on air, online, on our social media platforms and on the QC Weather App.
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