Morning update: Much-needed rain

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By Rick Rector | Thursday, August 28, 2008 |

Good Thursday morning, Quad-Cities. At 6 a.m. it’s 69 degrees under cloudy skies and showers in the Quad-Cities. Today there’s an 80 percent chance of much-needed showers and thunderstorms mainly before 7 a.m. The high will be near 81 degrees. Tonight will see a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. with a low around 58 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

New Orleans is planning for a possible mandatory evacuation as the National Hurricane Center in Miami is predicting Tropical Storm Gustav will regain strength and become a hurricane again by possibly Friday as it moves into the Gulf region. Gustav was heading toward Jamaica early today. It was just three years ago Friday that Hurricane Katrina struck the city.

For all of you circus lovers, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town today through Monday at the iwireless Center. I’m told its the “greatest show on earth.”

Northwest Boulevard work delayed

Due to equipment breakdown, the paving of Northwest Boulevard in Davenport scheduled for Wednesday will now take place today — weather permitting.

During the concrete pour, Northwest Boulevard between Ridgeview Drive and 73rd Street will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic for the entire day while a local contractor constructs the northbound lanes of the new Northwest Boulevard in the area. Residents on the east side of Northwest Boulevard between Ridgeview Drive and 73rd Street will need to find alternate parking across the street until midday Saturday.

Also, 71st and 72nd streets will be closed west of Northwest Boulevard, while 67th and 73rd streets will be open west of Northwest Boulevard. Northbound and southbound traffic on Northwest Boulevard will alternate on the west shoulder, controlled by flaggers. Delays should be expected. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes.

Inclement weather or equipment breakdown the day of the pour will delay the work until Tuesday.

Check for area road work/closings and closings across Iowa and Illinois are before you head out this morning.

Also, check out our gas-price guide for the cheapest prices at the pumps in the Quad-Cities.

While you were sleeping

• Obama set to woo nation with historic speech

• Obama makes unscripted appearance at the DNC

• Officials may evacuate New Orleans as Gustav nears

• Factory had tension between union, immigrants

Today’s events

• River House Music Fest in Moline (6 p.m.)

• Steak fry fundraiser in Rock Falls, Ill. (6 p.m.)

• Blue Heron Eco Cruise in Camanche (7 p.m.)

• Jazz Jam with the North Scott Jazz Combo in Davenport ( 7 p.m.)

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See news happening? Contact us

Stuck in traffic? See an accident or fire on your way to work? Drop us an e-mail at newsroom@qctimes.com or give us a call at (563) 383-2235 if you see breaking news such as house fires, traffic accidents and road conditions, street closures/detours and water main breaks in the Quad-City region.