Snow on Top of Snow: Iowa Braces For Additional Inches and Extreme Cold

As winter continues to tighten its grip on the region, residents of eastern Iowa are bracing for another round of challenging weather conditions. A quick-moving low-pressure system is set to bring light to moderate snowfall, accompanied by frigid temperatures and blowing snow. Here's what we can expect tonight and in the coming days.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from this afternoon (1/18) through Friday (1/19) morning for most of eastern Iowa. The advisory corresponds to the expected timeframe of snowfall, with 1 to 3 inches of fresh snow anticipated by midnight. The snow is expected to begin in the west early this afternoon, progressing southeast through the evening. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City could experience snowfall by 3 to 4pm, impacting the evening commute.

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The light, fluffy nature of the snow, combined with increasing winds, raises concerns about blowing snow and slick travel conditions. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph, starting around 6pm tonight and lasting through Friday morning, may lead to reduced visibility, particularly in rural areas. Despite the snowfall ending by midnight, blowing snow could persist, affecting roads and highways.

Communities are urged to exercise caution during the evening and Friday morning commutes. The cold temperatures make it challenging for road crews to clear the ice and snow promptly and effectively. Motorists are advised to slow down on snow- and ice-covered roads, maintain extra stopping distance, and avoid sudden, hard steering to minimize the risk of accidents.

A Wind Chill Advisory is issued for Friday morning, with wind chills expected in the -10 to -25 degree range. These harsh wind chills could persist into Saturday morning, reaching -20 to -40 degrees, posing a risk of frostbite in less than 10 minutes. Residents are advised to bundle up and cover exposed skin during this period. While the immediate future brings cold temperatures and challenging conditions, there's a silver lining. A significant bounce back toward warmer temperatures is anticipated by Sunday afternoon, with highs reaching the upper 10s and low 20s. This warming trend is expected to continue into the next week, with daily highs in the 30s and overnight lows in the upper 20s to low 30s.

As eastern Iowa prepares for another wintry episode, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Exercise caution on the roads, allow extra time for commutes, and stay bundled up to combat the cold. Keep a close eye on weather updates for any changes in the forecast, and stay safe during this winter weather event.