DES MOINES, IA — Central Iowa is preparing for a powerful winter storm that could disrupt travel, impact holiday plans, and drop significant snowfall across the region. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch as forecasters warn of 6 to 14 inches of snow, strong winds, and rapidly worsening conditions beginning Friday evening.
The system is expected to strengthen as it pushes into the state, bringing heavy snow bands, blowing snow, and bitter cold that will settle in behind the storm. Officials say now is the time for residents to get ready before the worst weather arrives.
Winter Storm Overview
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Des Moines expect the storm to move into central Iowa late Friday and intensify through Saturday. According to an early briefing from forecasters, heavy snow is likely to develop along key travel corridors, including I-35 and I-80, creating extremely hazardous conditions.
The integrated report from the National Weather Service in Des Moines is referenced here: National Weather Service – Des Moines.
The storm will also pull in much colder air, creating challenging conditions even after snow has stopped falling. Expect temperatures to fall sharply by Sunday as the system departs.
Timeline of Expected Weather
Snow is forecast to begin Friday evening, building overnight as moisture from the system interacts with colder air moving into Iowa.
By early Saturday morning, heavy snow bands will already be forming. Forecasters warn that these bands could drop more than 1 inch of snow per hour, which would quickly overwhelm untreated roads.
Saturday afternoon is expected to bring the most intense part of the storm. Visibility may fall to near zero at times as snow and wind combine to create whiteout conditions, especially across open highways and rural areas. Snow is likely to taper off late Saturday night before the cold snap arrives Sunday.
Officials Warn of Hazardous Travel
Local authorities and weather officials are urging residents to take the storm seriously and make preparations ahead of time.
National Weather Service forecasters cautioned:
“Travel could become difficult to impossible late Friday into Saturday night as heavy snow, blowing snow, and reduced visibility create dangerous conditions across much of central Iowa.”
Parts of southwest Iowa may also see a light glaze of ice, which could make roads even more treacherous. Winds may gust over 25 mph, leading to drifting snow that can partially or completely cover rural roads.
Key Facts
- Snowfall Expected: 6 to 14 inches across central Iowa
- Watch Duration: Friday evening through early Sunday
- Peak Impact: Saturday morning through Saturday night
- Wind Gusts: Over 25 mph
- Regions Most Affected: Along I-35, I-80, and rural open areas
- Additional Threat: Light ice accumulation possible in southwest Iowa
Safety Tips and Preparedness
With such a significant storm on the way, experts recommend being prepared well before the first snowflake falls.
Residents should finish all essential travel early Friday and avoid driving during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary. Packing a winter emergency kit in vehicles is also strongly advised. Kits should include blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, bottled water, snacks, a phone charger, and an ice scraper.
Snowplow operators and emergency crews will be out once conditions allow, but heavy snowfall combined with strong winds can make cleanup difficult until the storm begins to weaken.
What to Expect After the Storm
Once the system moves out, central Iowa will face a sharp drop in temperatures. Highs on Sunday are expected to remain in the mid-20s, with wind chills falling into the single digits.
Meteorologists suggest that this cold spell may indicate a shift toward below-normal temperatures across the Midwest heading into early December.
While skies may clear, rural roads may remain snow-covered or impassable for several hours or longer, especially in areas with drifting. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from local officials regarding road conditions and school or event impacts.
Conclusion
Central Iowa is set to experience one of its earliest significant winter storms of the season, with heavy snow, dangerous winds, and a surge of cold air. Residents should take warnings seriously, plan ahead, and avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the event.
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