Another strong winter storm is coming for Iowa

Just a few days after the first winter storm of the year swept through Iowa, another one is on its way, meteorologists are forecasting.

The National Weather Service Quad Cities bureau issued a winter storm watch Wednesday afternoon for much of Eastern Iowa. The watch began at 3 p.m. Wednesday and will last until noon Saturday.

The incoming winter storm may sweep into Eastern Iowa between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday.

The entire region should see snow, with heavier snowfall projected for areas along and north of Interstate 80. Snow accumulation should mostly stay between 4 and 8 inches, although NWS bureau meteorologists have medium confidence that some snow totals could surpass 8 inches. Periods of wintry mix are possible south of I-80.

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are respectively 70 percent and 69 percent likely to see 6 or more inches of snow, as of Wednesday afternoon projections.

Snowfall rates could surpass 1 inch per hour throughout Friday. Winds could gust as high as 45 miles per hour in the afternoon and evening, potentially creating blowing and drifting snow. Hazardous conditions could impact Friday commutes.

Temperatures will rapidly fall to the teens and single digits on Friday and could produce a flash freeze by the evening. By Saturday and Sunday, temperatures could reach the negatives. The weekend’s overnight wind chills may get colder than minus 20 degrees.

NWS is currently predicting the high temperature on Monday — when many Iowans will be headed out to participate in the Iowa caucuses — will rise only to minus 1.

The storm should sweep out of the state starting Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Brittney J. Miller is the Energy & Environment Reporter for The Gazette and a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.

Comments: (319) 398-8370; brittney.miller@thegazette.com