High Wind Warning Issued for Rock Island and Mercer Counties Through Monday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Quad Cities IA IL has issued a High Wind Warning for portions of Illinois. The alert was issued early Sunday morning as severe wind conditions are expected to develop later in the day.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions:

• Rock Island County
• Mercer County

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for significant wind hazards and potential visibility issues:

• Wind Speed: Northwest winds sustained at 30 to 40 mph.
• Wind Gusts: Peak gusts are expected to reach up to 60 mph.
• Visibility: Falling snow during portions of this event will likely reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less.
• Impacts: Damaging winds are expected to blow down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is scheduled to take effect at 4:00 PM CDT this afternoon (Sunday, March 15) and will remain in effect until 10:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16.

What You Should Do

The NWS recommends the following safety precautions:

• Seek Shelter: Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm.
• Stay Away from Windows: Avoid windows to prevent injury from breaking glass or debris.
• Monitor Hazards: Watch for falling debris and tree limbs.
• Travel Caution: If you must drive, use extreme caution, especially when operating high-profile vehicles in open areas.