Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 28, NWS Quad Cities, IA

April 15, 2026Mercer County, Rock Island County, Illinois

NWS Quad Cities, IA issued this tornado warning at Apr 15, 2026, 8:24 PM CDT for Mercer County, Rock Island County, Illinois. It was in force for 39 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Apr 15, 2026, 8:24 PM CDT (01:24 UTC)
Expired
Apr 15, 2026, 9:03 PM CDT
In force
39 min
Issued by
NWS Quad Cities, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.25 in

Counties Mercer County, IL, Rock Island County, IL

The radar

The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 37 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:29 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 15, 3:40 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Davenport, (KDVN), launched 00:00Z, 1.4 hours before the alert went out and 42 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Davenport, at 00:00Z on 2026-04-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1272 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Davenport, at 00:00Z on 2026-04-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 167 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1272 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1003 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
64 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
167 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
209 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
1.7
Supercell composite
10.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

492 
WFUS53 KDVN 160124
TORDVN
ILC131-161-160215-
/O.NEW.KDVN.TO.W.0028.260416T0124Z-260416T0215Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
824 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southwestern Rock Island County in northwestern Illinois...
  Northwestern Mercer County in northwestern Illinois...

* Until 915 PM CDT.

* At 824 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Eliza, or 7 miles southeast of Muscatine, moving
  east at 25 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Illinois City, Petersville, and Marston around 830 PM CDT.
  Millersburg, Hamlet, Edgington, and Loud Thunder Scout Camp around 
  835 PM CDT.
  Gingle Corners and Aledo Mercer County Airport around 840 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this tornadic thunderstorm include
Reynolds, Taylor Ridge, Old Gilchrist, Shale City and Wanlock.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

This storm has a history of producing tornadoes.  For your safety,
seek shelter now!

&&

LAT...LON 4143 9101 4143 9097 4142 9095 4142 9093
      4143 9090 4141 9060 4120 9063 4127 9109
TIME...MOT...LOC 0124Z 273DEG 22KT 4133 9098 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$

McClure
2 follow-up statements
244 
WWUS53 KDVN 160142
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
842 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC131-161-160215-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0028.000000T0000Z-260416T0215Z/
Rock Island IL-Mercer IL-
842 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 915 PM CDT FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL ROCK ISLAND AND NORTH CENTRAL MERCER COUNTIES...

At 842 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Marston, or 8 miles north of Aledo, moving east at
25 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Reynolds, Taylor Ridge, Hamlet, Edgington, Marston, Gingle 
  Corners, Aledo Mercer County Airport, Shale City, Wanlock and Old 
  Gilchrist.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

This storm has a history of producing tornadoes.  Seek shelter now!

&&

LAT...LON 4131 9088 4136 9087 4143 9087 4141 9060
      4120 9063 4124 9090
TIME...MOT...LOC 0142Z 275DEG 24KT 4131 9080 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$

McClure
818 
WWUS53 KDVN 160203
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
903 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC131-161-160212-
/O.CAN.KDVN.TO.W.0028.000000T0000Z-260416T0215Z/
Rock Island IL-Mercer IL-
903 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN ROCK ISLAND AND NORTH CENTRAL
MERCER COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning has
been cancelled.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern
Illinois.

&&

LAT...LON 4131 9088 4136 9087 4143 9087 4141 9060
      4120 9063 4124 9090
TIME...MOT...LOC 0200Z 273DEG 22KT 4130 9063 

$$

McClure

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado 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 tornado warning went out at Apr 15, 6:42 PM CDT, 1 hour 42 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.
  • A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.
  • Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front, bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area. Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 15, 6:42 PM CDT, 1 hour 42 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
642 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the
  afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come
  through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a
  Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.

- A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday
  afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of
  our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.

- Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front,
  bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area.
  Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring
  the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Seasonally strong shortwave trof currently located over central
Nebraska will continue to track east through Iowa this
afternoon/evening. A surface low pressure will pass southwest to
northeast just northwest of our area, dragging a cold front through
our area this evening/tonight. While we already have ongoing showers
and storms, we are expecting another round of storms as the cold
front moves through the area this evening/tonight. Ahead of that, we
will have a stationary/warm front draped over the area, which will
be another focus for convective initiation ahead of the main line of
convection. This is currently located between the Highway 30 and
Highway 34 corridors. Thus, a few rounds of storms are expected
today, where flash flooding is possible. A Flood Watch remains for
those areas at greatest risk, owing to heavy rainfall yesterday. The
SPC has our whole area outlooked in a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for
severe weather today, where our best chances for severe weather
will be with the line of storms progged to come through with
the cold front this evening. Isolated severe storms are possible
ahead of this through the afternoon, but confidence is low on
coverage and severity.

Looking at model soundings, we can expect another day of mixed-mode
convection. Early-Mid afternoon, we are likely to continue to see
scattered showers and storms. Given a lot of cloud cover and higher
coverage of showers/storms in our north, the severe threat
should remain relatively low into mid-afternoon. Although, areas
south of Interstate 80 will have seen more sun peeking through,
which has allowed more instability to build. Thus, there will
be a little more of a severe threat in our south, generally in
the form of semi- discrete supercells. Confidence is low on this
at this time, but will further get monitored for the potential
through mesoscale analysis this afternoon. This convection will
generally be seen between the hours of 12-4 PM. Going into late
afternoon and evening, we will see a line (possibly disconnected
line of supercells) moving into our area from west to east,
with some leading semi-discrete cells as well. The leading cells
could be supercellular, which are currently looking to develop
between the Highway 30 and Highway 34 corridors. These
supercells may form just ahead of the line, generally between
4-6 PM, and then get absorbed into the main line. As we get
towards the evening hours, the aforementioned line (QLCS- like
with embedded supercells) will move through the area from west
to east. Timing-Wise, this is expected to move into our west
around 5-7 PM, and move out of our area by midnight local time.
The best severe threat will be in the late afternoon/evening
hours, but gradually decreasing after sunset.

Now a look into the environment in place. The AM convection and
resultant cloud cover has delayed our surface heating a bit, but
clearing skies have been seen. This may limit the overall
instability, but will still be sufficient. We are still looking at
the potential for CAPE around 2000-3000+, collocated with shear
around 50-60+ KTs, with little/no cap seen in forecast soundings.
Thus, we have the necessary CAPE/Shear balance to favor supercells
today. Although, with strong forcing moving in this afternoon and
evening, upscale growth is expected. As was mentioned, this could be
in the form of a disconnected line with embedded supercells. Lapse
rates are once again favorable for hail in the midlevels, collocated
with a fat CAPE profile in the hail growth layer. SPC highlights
parts of our area in the potential for significant hail (2"+), which
is possible. Otherwise, all hazards are in play today, with the
primary threat being winds and embedded tornadoes when the line of
convection comes through this evening. We are especially
focusing on counties along the Interstate 80 corridor, as this
is generally where the stalled out boundary will be. This will
serve as a focus point for severe weather (some significant
severe weather possible), with the increased tornado threat.

Tonight and through Thursday, weak ridging moves in, with a surface
high pressure quickly passing through. Thus, after any residual
showers move out Thursday AM, we should remain dry for the remainder
of the day. Clouds will also decrease through the day, with light
winds and temperatures increasing into the mid-upper 70s. Thus, we
are in for a beautiful day.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Friday will be another day of concern, as a potent shortwave tracks
off of the Rockies and towards the Upper Midwest. This wave will
develop a seasonally strong low pressure system, progged to drag a
strong cold front through the area. Ahead of this, we will have an
environment favorable for organized convection that can become
strong to severe. Uncertainty remains with regards to timing, which
can lead to impacts on the overall severe threat. Guidance has been
hinting at this moving through Friday evening/night. Ahead of that,
we will see a mix of clouds/sun, which will help build instability.
According to model soundings, we may have CAPE values upwards
to 2000-3000+, with shear around 35-45 KTs. The shear is a
little lower than we have seen with the recent events, but
sufficient for organized convection. Although, this would lead
me to believe that we will largely be dealing with a line of
strong/severe convection, but some initial isolated-scattered
storms cannot be ruled out. More details are to come, as more
short term hi-res CAMs start rolling in over the next 24-36
hours. The SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced
Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather, with a Slight Risk (level
2/5) for areas east of the Mississippi River. Continue to
monitor the forecast for future updates.

This weekend, upper level flow becomes northwesterly behind the
aforementioned shortwave. Modest cold advection will kick in,
bringing much cooler air to the area. Daytime temperatures are set
to be in the upper 40s to 50s through the weekend, which is quite
the change to the 70s and 80s we have been seeing. Overnight lows
will be in the 30s, with areas north of Interstate 80 seeing lows
approaching freezing. Thus, our north will have the chance to
see a frost/freeze during this timeframe. Although, confidence
is lower on this now, as temperatures have trended upwards a few
degrees since the last forecast package. Dry conditions are
expected through the weekend, with mostly clear skies. While
cooler, it should be a relatively pleasant weekend.

Going into next week, it looks like the upper level pattern becomes
active again. There remains many differences amongst guidance, but
precipitation chances return to the area by midweek, along
with increasing temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 635 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The main focus for the 00z TAF issuance will be SHRA/TSRA that
is currently just to the west of the terminals. This activity is
expected to continue to move east over the next few hours.
Periods of MVFR ceilings and reduced visibility are possible
with any storms impacting the terminals and visibility dropping
lower in heavier activity. Erratic wind gusts 35-40 kts may be
possible with the line of TSRA. Conditions improve west to east
behind the departing line of storms, although guidance hints at
the potential for shower or storms to linger at DBQ for a
couple of hours. Low level moisture works its way back into the
area tonight with lowering MVFR ceilings at DBQ and MLI.
Conditions will improve after day break Thursday. South winds
this evening will veer toward the west overnight and northwest
on Thursday.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for IAZ040>042-051>054.
IL...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for ILZ001-002-007.
MO...None.

&&

SHORT TERM...Gunkel
LONG TERM...Gunkel
AVIATION...Diegan
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 15, 4:23 AM CDT, 16 hours 1 minute before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-160930-
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-
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 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

There is a Slight Risk, or level 2 of 5 risk, for severe weather
across the Outlook area this afternoon and evening. Damaging
winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are all possible. In
addition, there is the potential for flash flooding in any areas
that see multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms. The
greater risk for flash flooding will be north of Highway 30 where
the ground is saturated from recent heavy rainfall of 1 to 3
inches.

Area rivers are experiencing flooding. Please see the latest
Flood Statements and Flood Warnings for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

There is an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather across
much of the area late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Damaging
winds and tornadoes are the primary threats.

Much colder air will bring the potential for frost and freeze
conditions to parts of the area Saturday night and Sunday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 15, 6:13 PM CDT, 2 hours 11 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
613 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0605 PM     Hail             Belle Plaine            41.90N 92.28W
04/15/2026  M0.25 Inch       Benton             IA   Trained Spotter

&&

DC
Local storm report, Apr 15, 6:50 PM CDT, 1 hour 34 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
650 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0650 PM     Hail             Nora                    42.46N 89.94W
04/15/2026  M1.00 Inch       Jo Daviess         IL   Trained Spotter

&&

CMD
Local storm report, Apr 15, 6:55 PM CDT, 1 hour 29 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
655 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0645 PM     Rain             Nora                    42.46N 89.94W
04/15/2026  M1.60 Inch       Jo Daviess         IL   Trained Spotter

            Rainfall total between 9:00am and 6:45pm in
            Nora, Illinois. More rainfall expected to
            fall.

&&

CMD
Local storm report, Apr 15, 7:20 PM CDT, 1 hour 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
720 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0705 PM     Hail             North Liberty           41.74N 91.61W
04/15/2026  M0.25 Inch       Johnson            IA   Trained Spotter

&&

DC
Local storm report, Apr 15, 7:46 PM CDT, 38 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
746 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0742 PM     Hail             Riverside               41.49N 91.58W
04/15/2026  E1.00 Inch       Washington         IA   Trained Spotter

&&

ARG
Local storm report, Apr 15, 8:08 PM CDT, 16 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
808 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0758 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Letts                   41.33N 91.23W
04/15/2026                   Louisa             IA   Law Enforcement

            Powerlines down. Time estimated using radar.
            Also reported a funnel cloud.

&&

DC

The office that day

Everything else NWS Quad Cities, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 15, 7:00 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNJo Daviess4 hr
Apr 15, 7:14 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNJo Daviess, Stephenson3 hr
Apr 15, 7:51 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNMercer, Rock Island54 min
Apr 15, 7:59 PM CDTTornado WarningDVNStephenson20 min
Apr 15, 8:02 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedDVNMercer, Rock Island28 min
Apr 15, 8:13 PM CDTTornado WarningDVNHancock47 min
Apr 15, 8:14 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNCarroll, Jo Daviess3 hr
Apr 15, 8:30 PM CDTTornado WarningDVNRock Island17 min
Apr 15, 9:26 PM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNMercer, Rock Island21 days
Apr 15, 10:26 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNMcDonough19 min
Apr 16, 10:43 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNHenry, Rock Island, Whiteside16 days
Apr 16, 10:43 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNHenry, Rock Island21 days
Apr 16, 10:43 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNWhiteside6 days
Apr 16, 11:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNJo Daviess21 days
Apr 16, 11:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNHenderson, Mercer21 days
Apr 16, 11:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNMercer21 days
Apr 16, 11:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNHancock21 days
Apr 16, 11:30 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNMercer, Rock Island12 days

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Illinois, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.