Quad Cities, IL/IA – Severe storms on Memorial Day are forecasted to hit the Quad Cities region, following a destructive weather event that produced 16 tornadoes across Illinois and Iowa.
According to the US National Weather Service Quad Cities, thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and continue into the early evening. These storms may bring damaging winds up to 60 mph, hail up to one inch, and frequent lightning. Residents with outdoor plans for Memorial Day should be prepared to seek shelter if threatening weather approaches. The primary threat period will be between 1 PM and 8 PM.
The Memorial Day forecast follows a significant weather event last Friday, where a derecho swept through the area, resulting in at least 16 confirmed tornadoes in eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. This event marked the highest number of tornadoes recorded in a single event in the NWS Quad Cities County Warning Area since March 2023. The tornadoes, which included eight EF1s, one EF0, and seven EFUs, caused extensive damage to buildings, trees, and power lines.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately. For more detailed weather updates and safety information, visit the US National Weather Service Quad Cities website or follow their social media channels.
