Des Moines, IA – Roads across central Iowa could turn slick quickly after 6 p.m. Thursday as rain transitions to snow and heavier bands set up during the evening 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 much of central Iowa, including Polk, Story, Marshall, Black Hawk, Jasper, Warren and Marion counties. Snow totals between 2 and 5 inches are expected, with a narrow corridor possibly reaching 6 inches if the heaviest band develops overhead.
Precipitation will spread from west to east through the afternoon, beginning as rain or a rain-snow mix before colder air changes it to all snow this evening. Snowfall rates may approach or exceed 1 inch per hour at times, leading to rapid accumulation on untreated roads.
Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, Marshalltown and Newton could see snow-covered interstates late tonight. I-35 and I-80 may experience reduced visibility and slick conditions, especially during heavier bursts.
Forecasters stress that small shifts in the snow band could significantly alter totals across short distances. Drivers should slow down, allow extra time and monitor 511ia.org for road updates.
Snow tapers toward sunrise Friday, but icy patches may linger into the early morning commute.
