OTTUMWA, Iowa – The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for parts of southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri, starting tonight and lasting until Saturday morning.
Travelers and residents are advised to complete their errands early this evening, as the first signs of freezing rain, sleet, and snow are expected to develop around 9 PM. The wintry mix will intensify overnight, leading to slick roads and hazardous travel conditions. By midnight, the entire viewing area will experience freezing rain, with possible sleet and snow. It is strongly recommended to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel from tonight through Saturday morning.
As Saturday progresses, warm air will gradually push northward, causing the wintry mix to transition into rain. This change will lead to improved travel conditions as the area moves from frozen precipitation to rainfall. The transition will begin in northeast Missouri before dawn on Saturday and will extend northward throughout the early morning. By 9 AM, all locations are expected to switch to rain, enhancing travel conditions.
The weather is likely to improve Saturday night into Sunday, with low temperatures occurring in the low to mid 30s as the precipitation dissipates. Expect mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Sunday, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 30s and low 40s. However, another round of rainfall is anticipated from Sunday night into Monday morning, with evening lows again in the low to mid 30s.
Next week’s weather will bring variable temperatures and precipitation chances. Rain will subside by Monday afternoon, with afternoon highs reaching the low to mid 40s. An influx of colder Arctic air will lower temperatures into the 30s for the middle of the week, with nighttime lows dropping into the 20s and potentially into the teens. There is also a slight forecast for snow showers on Wednesday, though any impacts are expected to be minimal, with updates to follow.
In summary, while there’s a challenging weather situation ahead with significant ice and rain expected, there is optimism for improving conditions as warmer temperatures arrive, paving the way for a return to more favorable travel around mid-week. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather updates and remain safe during this winter weather event.