Davenport, IA – Drivers across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois could face sudden drops in visibility and drifting snow during the Monday morning commute as powerful northwest wind gusts near 50 mph continue pushing freshly fallen snow across highways.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, strong northwest winds exceeding 40 mph through the Monday morning commute will keep travel hazardous even as snowfall begins to taper off. Gusts between 45 and 49 mph were projected early Monday in cities including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Independence, gradually easing late morning but remaining strong enough to blow snow across open roads.
Snow is expected to end from west to east between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday. Communities near Waterloo and Cedar Rapids should see snowfall taper first between 4 and 7 a.m., followed by the Quad Cities region including Davenport, Moline, and Rock Island between 6 and 9 a.m. Areas farther east near Sterling and northwest Illinois could see snow linger until 8 to 11 a.m.
Additional snowfall totals vary widely. Northern Illinois near Freeport and Sterling could receive 3 to 6 inches, while the Quad Cities area may see 1 to 3 inches. Locations farther west toward Washington, Ottumwa, and southeast Iowa may only see a trace to 1 inch.
Transportation officials urge drivers to allow extra travel time and check road conditions through 511ia.org and GettingAroundIllinois.com before heading out. Even after snowfall ends, blowing and drifting snow could continue creating slick stretches through the afternoon as temperatures fall into the teens and lower 20s.
