Burlington, Iowa – Travel across southeast Iowa and parts of northwest Illinois could quickly turn dangerous Sunday evening as a strengthening winter storm brings heavy snow and wind gusts strong enough to create widespread whiteout conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Monday evening for Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry, and Des Moines counties in Iowa, along with Mercer County in Illinois. Snowfall totals between 4 and 7 inches are possible while winds may gust as high as 60 mph, capable of driving snow across roads and dropping visibility below a quarter mile.
Cities including Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Fairfield, Washington, Wapello, and Sigourney could see conditions deteriorate rapidly Sunday night as temperatures fall and snow begins accumulating. Strong crosswinds along U.S. Highway 34 and rural stretches of Highway 61 may lead to drifting snow and sudden whiteouts.
Officials warn that both the Monday morning and evening commutes may be heavily impacted. Gusty winds could also snap tree branches and cause scattered power outages.
Residents should consider delaying travel, charge devices ahead of the storm, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. Additional warnings may be issued as the storm track becomes clearer and conditions intensify through Monday.
