Rain likely Wednesday night, Thursday

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities said a strong storm system will move over the plains Thursday bringing mainly rain to the outlook area.

The latest indications suggest a brief period of freezing rain and sleet will occur at the onset Thursday morning north of Highway 20 before quickly changing to rain.

Seasonably high rainfall is expected and may cause flooding issues on area rivers due to rapid runoff and snow melt. There also will be an increased chance for ice jams on area rivers and creeks.

Thunderstorms will be possible across the southeast portions of the outlook area Wednesday night into Thursday.

Cold air will change rain over to snow by Thursday evening with at least minor snow accumulations expected.

Current indications suggest this snow potential will be mainly along and west of a line from Iowa City to Dubuque.

Strong winds may then sweep across the area late Thursday afternoon and night.

There is still some uncertainty with the exact track and strength of this storm system at this point ? thus precipitation types and amounts may be subject to change.

Stay tuned for later forecasts and updates concerning this potentially significant storm system.