Des Moines, IA – Snow will sweep across parts of Iowa in two waves this weekend, with the first round arriving before sunrise Saturday and creating slick stretches along I-35 and I-80 during the morning drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a fast-moving system will clip northern into northeastern Iowa early Saturday, bringing up to 1 inch of snow mainly between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. While parts of north-central Iowa may stay dry as the storm track shifts north, areas closer to Mason City and Waterloo could see light accumulation on untreated roads.
In central Iowa, including Des Moines, snowfall Saturday morning should remain light, but brief bursts could reduce visibility and create slushy patches on I-235 ramps and elevated bridges. Road temperatures near freezing will allow snow to stick on grassy and elevated surfaces first.
A second system develops later Sunday, spreading more widespread light snow south of I-80 into early Monday morning. Communities along and south of the interstate, including Osceola and Ottumwa, could pick up between 1 and 2 inches by daybreak Monday. The Sunday night to early Monday window poses the greatest risk for travel slowdowns, especially along I-35 toward the Missouri border.
Drivers should allow extra time, reduce speeds and check 511 road conditions before heading out. Keep headlights on in falling snow and maintain safe following distance.
Snow totals may shift slightly depending on the exact storm track. Additional advisories are possible as the Sunday night system approaches.
