First winter storm of season brings ‘widespread accumulating snow’ to Eastern Iowa this weekend

The first winter storm of the season will sweep across Iowa this weekend, and it’s packing a punch.

The National Weather Service Quad Cities bureau has issued a winter storm warning for much of Eastern Iowa. The warning will begin at 9 p.m. Friday and last until 6 a.m. Sunday. It spans almost the entire state, except for a cluster of counties in far southwest Iowa.

“This is likely to be one of the biggest snow producing storms in a long time for many areas, as well as being a huge event to start the winter season,” the NWS warned in a social media post.

The “long duration winter storm” is expected to start Friday night. Significant travel impacts are expected by early Saturday morning, lasting through early Sunday morning.

According to maps published by the National Weather Service, widespread snowfall amounts of 8 inches is expected, but some areas could see a foot or more of snow.

In most parts of Eastern Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, the Quad Cities and Waterloo, there is a “high” probability — at least 70 percent — that snowfall totals could exceed 12 inches.

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Peak snowfall rates could surpass 1 inch per hour, particularly overnight Friday into Saturday morning, and then again Saturday mid-afternoon to early evening.

“Significant travel impacts” are expected, the NWS warns. Snow, combined with wind gusts of up to 30 mph could create blowing and drifting snow. The National Weather Service also warns of snow-covered roads and slick travel conditions.

DOT asks Iowans to stay off roads

The National Weather Service advises that people “should consider delaying all travel.” If travel is necessary, drive with “extreme caution” and be prepared with items such as a flashlight, food and water in your vehicle. Consider taking a winter storm kit with you, including booster cables, a shovel, blankets and extra clothing.

The best way for the public to help the Iowa Department of Transportation in its snow-clearing efforts is to stay off state roads, a DOT spokesperson said Friday.

The DOT prepared for the storm, including with a Thanksgiving Day situational awareness call with all DOT district offices, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the National Weather Service, and local partners, the DOT spokesperson said.

Anyone who does drive during the storm is asked to stay back from and avoid passing plows. “It’s best not to pass a plow because it’s hard to see around the plow blade and the snow cloud,” the DOT spokesperson said. “If you are on the road, the safest place to be is behind the plow and be patient.”

Check road conditions using the Iowa 511 website, 511ia.org, or the Iowa 511 app.

The Gazette’s Erin Murphy contributed to this report.