Davenport, Iowa – Snow and 40 mph wind gusts will sweep across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois tonight, setting up drifting snow and slick highways before sunrise Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. this evening until 9 a.m. CST Friday for Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, and Jackson counties in Iowa, along with Jo Daviess County in Illinois. Forecasters expect 1 to 4 inches of snow, with strong winds producing areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Snow will develop this evening and intensify overnight, coating Interstate 80 near Iowa City, Highway 61 near Maquoketa, and rural roads around Tipton and Marengo. In Galena, wind gusts up to 40 mph could reduce visibility in open areas and create uneven snow drifts across exposed stretches of roadway.
The strongest impacts are expected during the early morning commute, when reduced visibility and slick pavement may slow traffic. Bridges and overpasses will become icy first as temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and check 511ia.org or gettingaroundillinois.com before traveling. The advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, with gradual improvement expected late morning as snowfall tapers and winds ease.
