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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Winter storm begins moving out of Iowa, but more snowfall coming
Accumulating snow expected to start late Christmas Day
An Iowa Department of Transportation plow truck driver clears snow drifts Saturday from along the shoulder of Highway 151 near the intersection with Wright Brothers Boulevard in Fairfax. The National Weather Service was forecasting a high near 13 degrees with wind chill values as low as -25 for Christmas Day. New snow accumulations are possible Sunday night. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Workers with Iowa Interstate Railroad clear snow Saturday from the front of an engine along the train tracks near Wright Brothers Boulevard in Fairfax. New snow accumulations are possible Sunday night. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
CEDAR RAPIDS — The harsh winter storm began moving Saturday out of Iowa, bringing clearer roadways but still leaving bitter cold.
A blizzard warning that enveloped Cedar Rapids and Iowa City expired Saturday morning. Blowing snow still was afflicting some roads — particularly in rural areas — but was expected to improve throughout the weekend.
“Winds will be gusty at times, but gradually weaken during the period. Impacts from blowing snow and wind chills are anticipated to improve, and as a result any warnings have or will be transitioned to advisories,” the National Weather Services reported Saturday for the Corridor region.
On Friday, travel had not been advised for sections of Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Iowa City and on Interstate 380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, but the state removed those designations Saturday. The interstates were reported to be either partially covered in snow or have seasonal conditions.
The state also reopened a stretch of Interstate 35 north of Ames, which was closed Friday night because of drifts.
Still, highways near Amana, Marengo, Belle Plaine and Williamsburg were reported Saturday to be completely covered with snow.
The Iowa Department of Transportation was advising drivers to delay travel if they can. Drivers who must were advised to check conditions of the state’s roads at 511ia.org.
While this storm was moving out, another system bringing accumulating snow — without the extreme winds — was moving in.
“A fast moving clipper system is likely to bring some accumulating snow to much of the area Christmas night into Monday morning,” the weather service advised. “Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated.”
Temperatures are forecast to improve in the coming days, reaching 40 degrees by Wednesday in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
