Des Moines, Iowa – A sharp winter cold front will sweep across Iowa on Sunday, bringing falling temperatures, strong winds, and periods of snow that could create dangerous travel conditions, especially across northern Iowa through early Monday.
Rain or a brief wintry mix will develop Sunday morning before changing to snow as colder air pours in from the northwest. Temperatures will drop steadily during the day, allowing untreated roads and wet surfaces to freeze. According to the National Weather Service Des Moines office, northwest winds will rapidly increase behind the front, with gusts exceeding 50 mph by Sunday afternoon and evening.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday for much of north central and northeast Iowa, including Palo Alto, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Butler, and Bremer counties. Cities such as Waverly, Hampton, Emmetsburg, Eagle Grove, and Humboldt could see up to 2 inches of snow along with a light glaze of ice.
While snow totals will be modest, the combination of strong winds and light snow may lead to sudden whiteouts in open areas. According to Iowa DOT, visibility could drop quickly on rural highways such as Highway 3, Highway 20, and Highway 218, making travel unpredictable. Blowing snow may redeposit on roads that were previously cleared.
Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, leading to isolated power outages. Travel conditions are expected to worsen Sunday afternoon and remain hazardous overnight, with impacts possible for the Monday morning commute in northern Iowa.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of poor visibility. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and ensure phones and devices are charged ahead of the wind surge. For the latest road conditions, monitor the Iowa 511 system.
