Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9pm

A Severe Thunderstorm WATCH has been issued for Lee County until 9pm this evening.

Scattered thunderstorms will continue to develop late this afternoon and evening with the primary threats being large hail up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 70 MPH.

Even though Whiteside County is not included in this watch, there could very well be some strong to severe activity in that area.

Heavy rainfall is also likely with these storms and will produce areas of flash flooding. Be prepared for rapidly rising water.