OTTUMWA, Iowa – An Ice Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri, set to take effect tonight and lasting through Saturday morning.
Residents are advised to complete any travel or errands by early evening, as isolated pockets of freezing rain, sleet, and snow are expected to begin by 9 PM. The wintry mix will intensify overnight, leading to slick roads and hazardous travel conditions throughout the area. By midnight, the entire KYOU viewing area will likely experience freezing rain, with additional sleet and snow.
Travel is strongly discouraged from tonight until Saturday morning. However, conditions are expected to improve as temperatures rise on Saturday, transitioning the wintry mix to rain. This change will start early Saturday morning in northeast Missouri and gradually spread north, meaning by 9 AM Saturday, all areas should switch to rain, leading to safer travel conditions.
Saturday night will see lows drop to the low to mid 30s as the precipitation eases off. Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy and dry with temperatures climbing into the upper 30s and low 40s. Another round of rain is anticipated on Sunday night into Monday morning, with lows again in the low to mid 30s.
Next week, temperatures will fluctuate with highs typically in the 30s, and lows dropping into the 20s and potentially into the teens midweek. There is a slight chance for snow showers on Wednesday, but significant impacts are not expected.
Stay informed about the changing weather conditions by downloading the KCRG First Alert Weather App for the latest updates as this winter storm unfolds.
This expected change in weather may bring challenges, but it also provides an opportunity for communities to come together in preparation. By staying informed and cautious, residents can navigate the storms effectively, ensuring their safety and well-being.