Des Moines, IA – Roads across west central and central Iowa could turn slick within hours of 3 p.m. Thursday as rain changes to snow and bands intensify into the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. CST Friday for Greene, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Cass, Adair, Adams, Union and surrounding counties. Snow totals between 2 and 5 inches are expected, with a narrow corridor possibly reaching 6 inches where the heaviest band sets up.
Precipitation may begin as rain or a rain-snow mix before colder air flips it to all snow late this afternoon. Snowfall rates could approach or exceed 1 inch per hour at times this evening, quickly covering highways and untreated roads.
Communities including Boone, Perry, Atlantic, Winterset, Creston and Jefferson should prepare for reduced visibility and accumulating snow after sunset. Interstate 80 and Highways 30 and 71 may see rapidly changing conditions as heavier bursts move through.
Forecasters caution that small shifts in the snow band could significantly change totals within a single county. Drivers should slow down, allow extra travel time and monitor 511ia.org for updated road conditions.
Snow will taper toward sunrise Friday, but slick spots may linger into the morning commute.
