Iowa is preparing for significant winter weather as a winter weather advisory will be in effect across the entire state from Friday evening into Saturday. Some areas in eastern Iowa will be under an ice storm warning, signaling the potential for serious travel disruptions due to expected ice accumulation. Though the storm’s arrival has been delayed, meteorologists anticipate widespread impacts from the weather event.
Travel will likely be especially challenging in central and northern Iowa due to the risk of ice build-up. The National Weather Service indicates that wind chills will dip into the single digits and mid-teens on Friday but expect a gradual warming trend as the weekend progresses.
An ice storm warning signifies that ice accumulation of at least a quarter of an inch is anticipated, while a freezing rain advisory indicates expected ice accumulation of up to a quarter of an inch. In Iowa, the eastern region stretching from Grinnell to Waterloo, including Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, is under the ice storm warning. This area is forecasted to receive approximately a quarter to half an inch of ice, with the warning effective from 8 p.m. Friday through noon on Saturday.
Des Moines is expected to see ice accumulation up to 0.25 inches, with the freezing rain expected to hit the metro area around 7 p.m. After starting the day with sub-zero wind chills, temperatures are expected to rise gradually, with wind chills reaching around 14 degrees by 6 p.m.
The freezing rain is projected to begin in southwestern Iowa between 5 and 7 p.m., moving northward, with the storm anticipated to impact eastern Iowa around 10 p.m. The day will remain dangerously cold for many, with sub-zero wind chills early but an overall warming towards more manageable double digits later in the evening.
Due to the hazardous weather conditions, travel will be perilous, with risks of icy branches and downed power lines as winds may reach 20 mph, exacerbating the situation. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as dressing warmly, avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold, and packing an emergency kit if traveling. It’s essential for Iowans to stay informed about the forecast and check road conditions before traveling, particularly since ice accumulates quickly on bridges and overpasses.
In light of the weather forecast, the Des Moines Public Schools have postponed evening activities and rescheduled an ACT test session, reflecting the seriousness of the impending conditions. Several smaller school districts across the state have also chosen to cancel Friday night sporting events.
As winter conditions churn through Iowa, communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and cautious. With warmer weather anticipated following this icy spell, residents can look forward to better conditions in the days ahead.