Severe Weather Threat Possible This Afternoon

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities is monitoring the potential for severe weather today  across the entire KMAQ listening area. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has placed Jackson, Jones, and Dubuque counties under a Level 2 – Slight Risk for severe storms and Cedar, Clinton, and Scott Counties under a level 3 Enhanced Risk for severe storms. Primary threats include isolated damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, frequent lightning, and localized flash flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 8:00 PM for Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, and Jones Counties. Dubuque County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 PM.   In addition, the area is under a Level 2 – Slight Risk for flash flooding for today, and the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect until 1 AM tomorrow morning. Rainfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour during the heaviest storms, with the most intense activity expected today. While local rivers may rise, they are not forecast to reach flood stage. However, heavy rainfall totals between 1 to 3 inches or more could cause flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, including urban spots, and may lead to rapid rises in creeks and streams. Stay tuned to KMAQ for updates as weather conditions develop.