Winter storm — and freezing rain — aims for Eastern Iowa

A swath of Eastern Iowa that now includes the Cedar Rapids area is under an ice storm warning as freezing rain and strong wind gusts conspire to tangle up commutes.

Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Benton, Linn, Jones and Jackson counties are in an updated ice storm warning issued early Wednesday from the National Weather Service through noon Thursday. Forecasters predict total ice accumulations of two tenths to one half of an inch and winds gusting as high as 45 mph in those seven counties.

“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice and strong winds,” the weather service said. “Travel could be nearly impossible.”

Temperatures in the area were expected to be near freezing, and rain on and off through the day will likely freeze when it hits the ground. Highs in Cedar Rapids were forecast to hit 35 Wednesday.

To the south, the Iowa City area is under a less severe ice storm advisory, also until noon Thursday. Rain that could freeze was expected Wednesday morning.

In Iowa, counties under the ice advisory are Iowa, Johnson, Cedar and Clinton.

In Iowa’s northeastern counties, the weather is forecast to be worse — including snow accumulations. Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd and Chickasaw counties are in a winter storm warning through noon Thursday.

Forecasters predict heavy mixed precipitation — total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch and winds gusts up to 40 mph for that area.

“Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility,” the weather service warned for the area.

For the latest on Iowa road conditions, dial 511 or visit 511ia.org.

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