Quad Cities, IA/IL – Snow is spreading east across central Iowa this evening, bringing the first round of slick and snow-covered roads to areas west of the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City corridor, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in the Quad Cities. Forecasters expect snow to continue pushing east through 8 PM, with road conditions deteriorating shortly after snowfall begins.
A traffic camera on U.S. 30 near Marshalltown, captured around 7:39 PM, shows accumulating snow already coating lanes—an early sign of what drivers across eastern Iowa can expect as the band advances. Even light snowfall will quickly reduce traction due to rapidly cooling pavement temperatures.
According to NWS, motorists should prepare for slick spots to develop fast once snow starts, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Visibility may also drop briefly during bursts of heavier snow.
Snow is expected to reach areas west of Cedar Rapids by 8 PM and continue spreading toward the Mississippi River corridor shortly afterward. Forecasters emphasize that once snow begins, accumulations may appear quickly and road surfaces can shift from wet to snow-covered in minutes.
Travelers across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are encouraged to monitor real-time road conditions:
• Iowa DOT: 511 or 511ia.org
• Illinois DOT: gettingaroundillinois.com
• Missouri DOT: traveler.modot.org
NWS reminds drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and use caution when encountering snow-covered roadways. With snowfall occurring during the evening travel period, the agency urges residents to prepare for delays and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen.
Snowfall will continue eastward overnight as a larger winter storm moves across the region, with impacts likely to linger into Saturday.
