DES MOINES, Iowa – Central Iowa is bracing for its first significant winter storm of the season Saturday night, with the potential for 4 to 7 inches of snow across the Des Moines metro and surrounding counties. Travel could become difficult late in the evening as heavy snow bands move through.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Saturday evening through late Saturday night, covering Polk, Story, Jasper, Marshall, Black Hawk, and Tama counties. Snow is expected to begin around sunset Saturday and persist into the early hours of Sunday before tapering off.
The Iowa Department of Transportation warns that rapidly accumulating snow will likely cause hazardous driving conditions along major routes including I-35, I-80, and Highway 20, especially between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Gusty winds near 20 mph may reduce visibility in open areas.
Residents across Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, and Newton should prepare for potential delays to late-night travel and early Sunday activities. Officials recommend keeping emergency kits in vehicles, charging devices, and allowing extra time for plowing and cleanup Sunday morning.
According to the NWS, confidence is growing that the core of the storm will track directly across central Iowa, maximizing snowfall rates for several hours. Temperatures will hover near freezing during the event before dropping into the low 20s by dawn Sunday, allowing snow to stick quickly to untreated surfaces.
