Alert archive / Iowa / High Wind Warnings in 2026
High Wind Warning 1, NWS Quad Cities, IA
NWS Quad Cities, IA issued this high wind warning at Jan 21, 2026, 11:24 AM CST for 7 counties in Iowa. It took effect at Jan 21, 2026, 2:00 PM CST. It was in force for 7 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jan 21, 2026, 11:24 AM CST (17:24 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 21, 2026, 2:00 PM CST
- Expired
- Jan 21, 2026, 9:02 PM CST
- In force
- 7 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Quad Cities, IA
Counties Cedar County, IA, Iowa County, IA, Johnson County, IA, Keokuk County, IA, Louisa County, IA, Muscatine County, IA, Washington County, IA
The radar
The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 84 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:25 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 5:58 PM CST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | Iowa City Municipality, IA | Measured ASOS gust. |
| Jan 21, 6:20 PM CST | SNOW 1 | Lowden, IA | Snowfall total through 6 PM. Intense wind gusts currently up to 50 mph with visibility below 100 ft in blowing snow. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 5.4 hours before the alert went out and 292 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1849 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 82 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 183 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 398 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
740 WWUS73 KDVN 211724 NPWDVN URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 1124 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 IAZ063>065-067-076>078-220300- /O.UPG.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.260121T2000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KDVN.HW.W.0001.260121T2000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Iowa-Johnson-Cedar-Muscatine-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa- Including the cities of Tipton, Sigourney, Muscatine, Washington, Marengo, Iowa City, and Wapello 1124 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Muscatine, Keokuk, Louisa, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ087>089-098-099-MOZ009-010-220300- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.260121T2000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Jefferson-Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Scotland-Clark- Including the cities of Keosauqua, Kahoka, Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison, Memphis, Burlington, and Fairfield 1124 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below possible. * WHERE...In Iowa, Des Moines, Henry IA, Jefferson, Lee, and Van Buren Counties. In Missouri, Clark and Scotland Counties. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ066-068-ILZ009-015>018-024>026-034-035-220300- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.260121T2300Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Clinton-Scott-Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer- Henderson-Warren-Hancock-McDonough- Including the cities of Monmouth, Sterling, Princeton, Hennepin, Davenport, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Macomb, Clinton, Oquawka, Geneseo, Carthage, Moline, and Aledo 1124 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central Illinois and east central Iowa. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 5 PM this afternoon to midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ040>042-051>054-ILZ001-002-007-220300- /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Jo Daviess- Stephenson-Carroll- Including the cities of Vinton, Galena, Mount Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Anamosa, Independence, Freeport, Manchester, and Maquoketa 1124 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...In Illinois, Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. In Iowa, Benton, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Delaware, and Dubuque Counties. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ JTS
2 follow-up statements
748 WWUS73 KDVN 220121 NPWDVN URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 721 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 IAZ063>065-067-076>078-220615- /O.CON.KDVN.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Iowa-Johnson-Cedar-Muscatine-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa- Including the cities of Iowa City, Marengo, Tipton, Wapello, Muscatine, Washington, and Sigourney 721 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Muscatine, Keokuk, Louisa, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and down tree limbs, and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ066-068-ILZ009-015>018-024>026-034-035-220615- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Clinton-Scott-Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer- Henderson-Warren-Hancock-McDonough- Including the cities of Hennepin, Bettendorf, Moline, Davenport, Clinton, Princeton, Aledo, Macomb, Geneseo, Monmouth, Carthage, Oquawka, Rock Island, and Sterling 721 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central Illinois and east central Iowa. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ087>089-098-099-MOZ009-010-220615- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Jefferson-Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Scotland-Clark- Including the cities of Kahoka, Burlington, Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, Keosauqua, Memphis, and Fairfield 721 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below possible. * WHERE...In Iowa, Des Moines, Henry IA, Jefferson, Lee, and Van Buren Counties. In Missouri, Clark and Scotland Counties. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ040>042-051>054-ILZ001-002-007-220615- /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Jo Daviess- Stephenson-Carroll- Including the cities of Independence, Manchester, Freeport, Mount Carroll, Dubuque, Vinton, Maquoketa, Anamosa, Galena, and Cedar Rapids 721 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...In Illinois, Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. In Iowa, Benton, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Delaware, and Dubuque Counties. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ Friedlein
844 WWUS73 KDVN 220302 NPWDVN URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 902 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 IAZ063>065-067-076>078-221115- /O.CAN.KDVN.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Iowa-Johnson-Cedar-Muscatine-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa- Including the cities of Marengo, Wapello, Sigourney, Muscatine, Washington, Tipton, and Iowa City 902 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Muscatine, Keokuk, Louisa, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ066-068-ILZ009-015>018-024>026-034-035-221115- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Clinton-Scott-Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer- Henderson-Warren-Hancock-McDonough- Including the cities of Clinton, Monmouth, Davenport, Moline, Geneseo, Princeton, Carthage, Oquawka, Sterling, Macomb, Hennepin, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Aledo 902 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central Illinois and east central Iowa. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ087>089-098-099-MOZ009-010-221115- /O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-260122T0600Z/ /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Jefferson-Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Scotland-Clark- Including the cities of Fort Madison, Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, Kahoka, Keosauqua, and Memphis 902 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below possible. * WHERE...In Iowa, Des Moines, Henry IA, Jefferson, Lee, and Van Buren Counties. In Missouri, Clark and Scotland Counties. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ IAZ040>042-051>054-ILZ001-002-007-221115- /O.CON.KDVN.EC.A.0001.260123T0600Z-260124T1800Z/ Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Jo Daviess- Stephenson-Carroll- Including the cities of Freeport, Manchester, Galena, Dubuque, Mount Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, Maquoketa, Vinton, and Independence 902 PM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...In Illinois, Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. In Iowa, Benton, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Delaware, and Dubuque Counties. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ Gibbs
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Quad Cities, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Jan 21, 5:46 AM CST, 5 hours 38 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- An Arctic front will bring a period of strong winds, scattered snow showers, and blowing snow from mid afternoon into this evening. There's an outside chance of snow squalls. Travel impacts are likely including the evening commute, particularly north of Hwy 30 in/near areas that received an inch or more of snow overnight where significant visibility reductions and drifting snow is possible. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for roughly areas north of Hwy 30 and a Wind Advisory issued for the rest of the area.
- Very cold weather is forecast Thursday night into Saturday. An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for -20F to -40F wind chills.
- A winter storm will pass through the southern states Friday through the weekend, but is trending northward and could spread light snow across parts of the area. Probabilities for an inch of snow are 20-40% south of a Rockford to Iowa City line.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 21, 5:46 AM CST, 5 hours 38 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
546 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
...Updated for 12z Aviation...
.KEY MESSAGES...
- An Arctic front will bring a period of strong winds, scattered
snow showers, and blowing snow from mid afternoon into this
evening. There's an outside chance of snow squalls. Travel
impacts are likely including the evening commute, particularly
north of Hwy 30 in/near areas that received an inch or more of
snow overnight where significant visibility reductions and
drifting snow is possible. A Winter Weather Advisory has been
issued for roughly areas north of Hwy 30 and a Wind Advisory
issued for the rest of the area.
- Very cold weather is forecast Thursday night into Saturday. An
Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for -20F to -40F wind chills.
- A winter storm will pass through the southern states Friday through
the weekend, but is trending northward and could spread light snow
across parts of the area. Probabilities for an inch of snow are
20-40% south of a Rockford to Iowa City line.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 353 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
Snow has rapidly diminished over the past couple of hours, with still
some flurries and potential for narrow transitory bouts of light
snow north of Hwy 30 and near/east of the Mississippi River through
5-6 AM. We've received a few reports of 1.6 inches to just over 3
inches from around Dubuque to Freeport.
While we'll enter a period of quiet weather this morning, we're
expecting more snow showers to return by mid afternoon into this
evening attendant to an intensifying/sharpening shortwave trough
currently over ND, as it sweeps through the region. This will be
accompanied by a strong Arctic front. A transitory bout of deep
saturation and robust low level Fgen forcing should foster snow showers
with bursts of snow and accums up to an inch, particularly near/
north of I-80 where more prevalent coverage is currently anticipated.
Coincident with and following the snow showers is likely to be a
period of strong winds. Latest runs of the HRRR and RAP remain most
aggressive in depicting 40-45+ kt winds atop the mixed layer
residing above 900 hPa, while the 4km NAM, ARW and NMM are not
as deeply mixed (925 hPa) and strong with winds only around 30-35 kt.
RAP is verifying pretty well at 09z with the strong winds into
parts of MT and western ND (gusts already 32-38+ kt). Given this
and fairly uniform westerly flow along with warmer temps for
deeper mixing, strong CAA with steepening low level lapse rates post
frontal I feel RAP and HRRR may be more realistic. This leads to
some concerns for snow squalls, but have noted a weakening trend
on near surface instability and a shift of low level Fgen tied more
closely to the boundary of which both offer lower confidence at this
time. The bigger concern is looking at the potential for significant
blowing and drifting of the fresh powdery snow (1+ inch) that fell
overnight in areas north of Hwy 30 and any additional snow this afternoon
into evening up to an inch. The Baggaley Blowing Snow model for snow age
of 12-24 hours and a constant temperature in the upper 20s with wind
speeds of 30 to 35 kt lists probabilities at 30-50% for the crust
breaking, and that goes up to 50-70% for winds of 35-40 kt. Current
forecast highs are in the mid/upper 20s for much of the area north of
Hwy 30. As a result, we've opted for a Winter Weather Advisory near/
north of Hwy 30 to cover the strong crosswinds and potential for
significant visibility reduction at times in blowing snow along with some
drifting snow. To the south of the Winter Weather Advisory, a Wind
Advisory was issued where little snow cover is observed and minimal
accums only possible lending to strong winds being the primary hazard.
Temperatures will surge above freezing and likely reach near 40 across
parts of the far south ahead of the front, but may have to watch for
some refreeze of any moisture this evening as temps crash behind the
passing Arctic front.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 253 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
The next Arctic front ushering in a multi-day deep freeze will arrive
by Thursday afternoon accompanied by another chance for snow
showers, albeit only 20% right now due to limited moisture and
weaker forcing currently being progged.
The focus then for Thursday night through the weekend will be largely
with a frigid airmass settling over the area, likely leading to the
coldest temperatures/wind chills we've experienced yet this
season. 850 hPa temperatures dip to 23 to 28 degrees C below zero
over much of the area by 12z/6 AM Friday per the GEFS/ECWMF ensembles.
Values from these ensembles around -24 to -25 degrees C over the
Quad Cities would reach the daily minimum for DVN on January 23 per
the SPC sounding climatology, so we're talking bitterly cold conditions.
The latest LREF ensemble exceedance probabilities of wind chills
-20 degrees F (threshold for Cold Weather Advisory over most of our CWA)
is around 60-90%, along with chances of -30 degrees F (threshold for
Extreme Cold Warning over most of our CWA) is around 35-95%,
particularly Thursday night and Friday morning. Exceedance values
this high gives more than enough confidence for us to issue an Extreme
Cold Watch for the entire area. We have issued the watch from Thursday
night through Saturday morning, as the potential exists for conditions
to be colder than currently forecast for Friday night given the
anomalously strong high pressure although exceedance probabilities from
the LREF do reduce a good bit so it's not certain.
As far as precipitation chances are concerned, we're seeing some
northward trend in some of the deterministic and ensembles to the strong
southern states winter storm slated for Friday through the weekend.
LREF and NBM have jumped to 20-40% probabilities for an inch or more
of snow for areas roughly south of a Rockford to Iowa City line, as
some indications of more phasing of the northern and southern streams
could bring the system and it's expansive precip shield further north.
Something to keep an eye on in the coming days!
&&
.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 535 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
Bouts of MVFR to VFR ceilings (1500-4000 ft agl) are expected into
this evening. A brief wedge of clearing combined with light winds and
moisture from recent snowfall may foster a brief bout of fog and reduced
visibility to IFR/MVFR near KCID and KDBQ through 15z.
The main focus will be with an Arctic front set to sweep through the
terminals roughly 20-24z today. This may be accompanied by snow showers
and brief bouts of greatly reduced visibility. Probabilities for
impacts in terms of brief low visibility and accums up to an inch are
greatest at KDBQ (80%) which warranted a TEMPO mention. The probabilities
lower further south for the rest of the terminals but still (20-50%)
to warrant PROB30 mention for now. Winds ahead of the front will turn
gusty from the W/SW at 10-20+ kt. These winds will increase further
behind the Arctic front with a period of gusts 30-40+ kt from the W/NW
through this evening before diminishing overnight. These strong winds
will likely lead to some bouts of greatly reduced visibility in blowing
snow, primarily at KDBQ where fresh powdery snow will be more readily lofted.
For now I have kept with 6SM visibility in BS at KDBQ, but this will
need to be refined in later issuances.
&&
.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Winter Weather Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight
CST tonight for IAZ040-041-051>053.
Extreme Cold Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday
morning for IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-
098-099.
Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to midnight
CST tonight for IAZ042-054.
Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight CST tonight
for IAZ063>065-067-076>078-087>089-098-099.
Wind Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to midnight CST tonight
for IAZ066-068.
IL...Extreme Cold Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday
morning for ILZ001-002-007-009-015>018-024>026-034-035.
Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to midnight
CST tonight for ILZ001-002-007.
Wind Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to midnight CST tonight
for ILZ009-015>018-024>026-034-035.
MO...Extreme Cold Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday
morning for MOZ009-010.
Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight CST tonight
for MOZ009-010.
&&
SHORT TERM...McClure
LONG TERM...McClure/Schultz
AVIATION...McClureHazardous weather outlook, Jan 21, 4:35 AM CST, 6 hours 49 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 435 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007- 009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-221045- Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson- Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson- Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll- Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson- Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark- 435 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central Illinois...northwest Illinois...west central Illinois...east central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT Snow showers with the potential for short bursts of greatly reduced visibility may occur across parts of the region by mid afternoon into early this evening. Accumulations of up to an inch will be possible for areas mainly near and north of Highway 30. A period of strong winds with gusts to 45 mph is expected by late afternoon through this evening attendant to a passing Arctic front. These strong winds will bring the potential for significant blowing and drifting snow in areas north of Highway 30 that received 1 to 3 inches of snow last night. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for much of the area near and north of Highway 30 while a Wind Advisory has been issued elsewhere. Any wet roadways or surfaces south of Highway 30 could turn icy and slippery this evening, as temperatures plummet below freezing. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for the area from Thursday night through Saturday morning for dangerous wind chills of 20 below to 40 below zero. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Reports of snowfall amounts of an inch or more, and travel impacts would be greatly appreciated.
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jan 21, 7:45 AM CST, 3 hours 39 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
745 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0718 AM Snow Central City 42.20N 91.52W
01/21/2026 M2.5 Inch Linn IA Emergency Mngr
Total snowfall.
&&
JTSLocal storm report, Jan 21, 8:12 AM CST, 3 hours 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
812 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0753 AM Snow 2 NW Cedar Rapids 41.99N 91.70W
01/21/2026 M1.1 Inch Linn IA Trained Spotter
Total snowfall.
&&
JTSLocal storm report, Jan 21, 8:22 AM CST, 3 hours 2 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
822 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0817 AM Snow 1 SE Vinton 42.15N 92.00W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Benton IA Public
&&
JTSLocal storm report, Jan 21, 9:39 AM CST, 1 hour 45 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
939 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0831 AM Snow 2 W Freeport 42.30N 89.66W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Stephenson IL Public
0845 AM Snow Lore 42.51N 90.79W
01/21/2026 M3.0 Inch Dubuque IA Public
0921 AM Snow 2 N Central City 42.24N 91.52W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Linn IA Public
&&
JTSLocal storm report, Jan 21, 9:40 AM CST, 1 hour 44 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
940 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0903 AM Snow Freeport 42.29N 89.63W
01/21/2026 M3.0 Inch Stephenson IL Trained Spotter
Total snowfall.
&&
JTSLocal storm report, Jan 21, 10:01 AM CST, 1 hour 23 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
1001 AM CST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0958 AM Snow 2 SW Saint Donatus 42.35N 90.57W
01/21/2026 M2.5 Inch Jackson IA Trained Spotter
Total snowfall.
&&
JTSThe office that day
Everything else NWS Quad Cities, IA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2:46 AM CST | Extreme Cold Watch | DVN | Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Des Moines and 15 more | 31 hr |
| Jan 21, 2:46 AM CST | Wind Advisory | DVN | Cedar, Clinton, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Jefferson and 8 more | 21 hr |
| Jan 21, 2:46 AM CST | Winter Weather Advisory | DVN | Benton, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, Jones and 1 more | 21 hr |
| Jan 21, 11:24 AM CST | Blizzard Warning | DVN | Benton, Buchanan, Delaware, Jones, Linn | 10 hr |
| Jan 21, 4:57 PM CST | Special Weather Statement | DVN | Clinton, Jackson | 78 min |
| Jan 21, 5:50 PM CST | Snow Squall Warning | DVN | Cedar, Clinton, Jackson | 40 min |
Nearby
High Wind Warnings in Iowa, 2026Every high wind warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.