Freezing rain, snow expected in Corridor

CEDAR RAPIDS - Freezing rain, winds and periods of snow - with the possibility of downed power lines - are expected Monday in the Corridor.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the area from early until late Monday, saying a strong storm system from Texas is arriving and bringing with it moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

Travel could turn hazardous, including in time for Monday morning's commute.

Snow and sleet are expected on and off throughout the day and could reach 3 to 6 inches from Iowa City northward, the weather service said.

Accumulation of ice is expected to be worse along the Interstate 80 corridor, where it could reach a half an inch.

Periods of snow, especially along Highway 30, are forecast throughout the day.

When combined with winds of 25 to 35 mph, and gusts up to 45 mph, freezing rain in some areas where it's heaviest could bring down tree limbs and power lines, the weather service said, possibility leading to power outages.

The forecast calls for highs around freezing, with smaller chances of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.