Severe Weather Coming To The Quad Cities on Wednesday

Based on the latest forecasts, tomorrow (Wednesday, June 17) is shaping up to be a day you'll want to pay attention to if you're in the Quad Cities.

What Forecasters Are Watching

Forecasters are watching for hot, humid air across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, combined with a cold front moving through the region on Wednesday afternoon and evening. That combination can create the ingredients needed for severe thunderstorms. Forecasts are highlighting the potential for:

• Damaging winds (possibly 60-80+ mph)
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall
• Tornadoes, including the possibility of a few strong tornadoes, if storms become organized enough

Timing for the Wednesday Storms in the Quad Cities

Right now, the greatest concern appears to be:

• Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night
• Storms could begin developing during the afternoon.
• The threat may continue into the evening and overnight hours.
• Some forecasts specifically mention midday and evening severe storm chances for the Quad Cities.

How Serious Is It?

This doesn't mean a tornado is definitely coming to Davenport, Moline, Bettendorf, or Rock Island.

However, the weather pattern is one that meteorologists take seriously. The National Weather Service's Quad Cities office is already mentioning the potential for large hail and strong tornadoes in severe storms, and other forecasts across Illinois are highlighting an environment favorable for severe weather.

What You Should Do Tonight

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone.
• Know where you'll go if a Tornado Warning is issued (lowest floor, interior room).
• Have a way to receive alerts after dark.
• Secure outdoor furniture and decorations if possible.