Cedar Rapids, IA – Blizzard conditions are set to sweep across a large stretch of Iowa by late Sunday, with heavy blowing snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph threatening travel from Dubuque and Cedar Rapids to Iowa City, Burlington and Muscatine.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday for parts of east central, northeast and southeast Iowa, including Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Benton, Linn, Jones, Iowa, Johnson, Cedar, Muscatine, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry and Des Moines counties. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with powerful winds expected to create blowing and drifting snow.
The worst conditions are likely Sunday evening through the Monday morning commute, when visibility may drop sharply on Interstates 80 and 380 and along U.S. 61, U.S. 20 and other exposed roads. Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Muscatine, Burlington, Fairfield, Washington, Tipton and Mount Pleasant are all in the warning area. Strong gusts may also bring down tree limbs and create isolated power outages.
Drivers are being urged to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Anyone who must head out should pack blankets, water, snacks, flashlights and a charged phone in case they become stranded. Iowa road conditions are available at 511ia.org or by calling 511. Additional advisories could be issued before conditions start improving Monday afternoon.
Five-Day Forecast for Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Sunday: Snow develops late with winds increasing fast by afternoon and evening.
Monday: Blizzard conditions early, then gradual improvement after 1 p.m.
Tuesday: Cold and breezy with lingering slick spots possible.
Wednesday: Dry and chilly with lighter wind.
Thursday: Partly cloudy and calmer across eastern Iowa.
