Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Drivers across eastern Iowa could face sudden whiteout conditions and dangerous crosswinds within minutes as powerful winds gusting up to 60 mph whip falling snow across major highways through Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Monday for a large portion of eastern Iowa, including Linn, Johnson, Dubuque, Muscatine, Washington, and Des Moines counties. Snow totals of 3 to 7 inches are expected, but the biggest threat comes from intense winds creating widespread blowing and drifting snow.
Communities including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Muscatine, Burlington, Fairfield, and Mount Pleasant are expected to see rapidly deteriorating travel conditions overnight and into the Monday morning commute.
Major corridors such as Interstate 380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Interstate 80 near Iowa City, and U.S. Highway 61 along the Mississippi River could see repeated whiteouts as loose snow blows across lanes.
In Benton and Buchanan counties, freezing rain and sleet may mix with snow this afternoon, leaving a light glaze of ice before winds increase overnight.
Blizzard conditions will also expand into parts of western Illinois tonight, including the Quad Cities region of Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline, where 4 to 9 inches of snow and wind gusts near 50 mph may reduce visibility dramatically.
Officials urge residents to delay travel and monitor road conditions through Iowa 511 or Illinois transportation updates as the storm continues through Monday afternoon.
