A winter storm warning has been issued for much of Iowa as heavy snowfall is expected to begin Friday evening, leading to challenging travel conditions into Sunday. Weather forecasts indicate that snow will start accumulating after sunset, and residents should be prepared for difficult driving conditions, especially on Saturday.
Currently, the weather in Iowa is calm yet cold, with temperatures hovering around 18 degrees. While today may begin with some sunshine, clouds will quickly build throughout the morning. By noon, light snow showers from Nebraska are anticipated, which may not cause significant travel disruptions early in the afternoon. However, as the day progresses toward evening, snow intensity will increase, with more significant accumulations expected.
The predicted snowfall totals range from 6 to 12 inches across various parts of the state, with the potential for even higher totals in certain areas, particularly in central Iowa, including cities like Fort Dodge, Ames, and Iowa City. Areas in the southwest may experience a wintry mix, resulting in slightly lower snowfall.
Travelers are strongly urged to exercise caution, as snow is expected to continue through Saturday and into the overnight hours, possibly tapering off only late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Despite the cessation of snowfall on Sunday, the aftermath of the storm may still present challenges due to the snowpack and potential blowing snow conditions.
In light of this winter weather, local road crews will be actively working to clear roadways, but officials warn that snow accumulation will still create hazardous conditions for motorists. The forecast anticipates colder temperatures following the storm, with highs only reaching around 30 degrees for the next few days.
While winter storms can pose significant challenges, they also provide an opportunity for winter sports and activities once safety allows. Residents are encouraged to keep updated on the evolving weather situation and to prepare adequately for travel if necessary.