Des Moines, IA – Rain will flip to accumulating snow after 6 p.m. Thursday, with bursts nearing 1 inch per hour that could quickly cover roads across central Iowa before the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. CST Friday for Polk, Story, Marshall, Black Hawk, Warren, Marion and surrounding counties. Snow totals between 2 and 5 inches are expected, with a narrow corridor possibly reaching 6 inches if a heavier band develops.
Precipitation will spread east through the afternoon, starting as rain or a rain-snow mix before colder air changes it to all snow this evening. Rapid accumulation is possible overnight, especially where the heaviest band sets up.
Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Waterloo and Newton could see slick interstates and snow-covered secondary roads after sunset. Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 may experience reduced visibility and changing road conditions as heavier snow moves through.
Forecasters caution that small shifts in the snow band could significantly alter totals within a few miles. Drivers should allow extra time, increase following distance and monitor 511ia.org for updated road conditions.
Snow will taper toward sunrise Friday, but icy patches may linger into the early commute.
