Des Moines, IA – Snow will begin impacting roads within hours across southern Iowa, with slick conditions expected to develop before the Tuesday morning commute as a narrow band of heavier snowfall moves in.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, snow is set to begin between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday, focusing on southwest into south-central Iowa. A concentrated band could drop 2 to 5 inches, with isolated totals exceeding 6 inches, especially near Council Bluffs, Atlantic, and Creston.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight, particularly along I-80 and I-35 where slushy buildup and reduced visibility may slow travel early Tuesday. Des Moines, Ames, and Grinnell may see lighter totals closer to 1 to 3 inches, but timing could still impact the morning drive.
Winds will remain light, limiting blowing snow, but the wet and heavy nature of the snowfall could create slick surfaces on bridges and overpasses. Farther south toward Lamoni and Chariton, snowfall rates may briefly intensify before tapering mid-morning.
Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, keep headlights on, and check Iowa DOT road conditions before heading out. Conditions should begin improving between 10 a.m. and noon Tuesday as temperatures rise and precipitation transitions to rain in some areas.
Additional updates or advisories may be issued overnight as the snow band develops.
