Davenport, Iowa – A powerful winter storm is set to build across eastern Iowa and western Illinois starting Friday night, bringing widespread snow and potentially difficult travel across the Quad Cities region into Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, accumulating snow is expected to begin Friday evening north of Highway 20 before spreading south overnight. The agency notes the highest chances for 4 inches or more stretch from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque and into the Rockford area, with the Quad Cities sitting in a zone of elevated probability for 6 inches.
Road conditions could deteriorate quickly on I-80, I-74, and major connectors as bands of heavier snow develop after midnight. Local agencies in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island may deploy plows early Saturday, but winds could still push snow back onto cleared roads, reducing visibility and creating drifting. Drivers planning post-holiday travel should keep devices charged, allow extra time, and avoid early-morning trips if possible.
Snow is expected to taper from west to east by Saturday evening, though drifting could continue beyond that period. Additional advisories or updates may be issued as snowfall amounts become more certain.
