Parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are under a severe thunderstorm watch until Tuesday at 9 AM CDT. The watch includes the areas of Washington, Fairfield, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Monmouth, and Macomb.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois has warned of potential threats in the affected area, which include isolated hail up to quarter size, scattered wind gusts up to 75 mph, and frequent lightning. The total population in the area is estimated to be 222,318, with 158 schools and 13 hospitals possibly being impacted by the severe weather.
If you live in the warned areas, it’s best to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless it’s absolutely necessary. Make sure to secure any outdoor objects and stay away from windows. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your electronic devices are charged in case of power outages. To stay safe, it’s important to stay tuned to local weather updates and follow any warnings issued by authorities.