DAVENPORT, IA — A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, and portions of northeast Missouri, as the first major winter weather event of the season targets the Quad Cities region. The National Weather Service in Davenport warns of heavy snow developing late Friday night and continuing through Sunday morning, with total accumulations of 6 inches or more possible.
Snowfall rates may intensify Saturday morning, with gusty winds up to 25 mph creating blowing and drifting snow. Forecasters caution that roads will become slick and visibility could drop below a quarter mile at times, especially along Interstates 74, 80, and 88. “Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS says, urging residents to avoid unnecessary trips during peak snowfall hours.
The storm’s track suggests the heaviest bands will stretch from Waterloo and Cedar Rapids southeast toward Dubuque, the Quad Cities, Galesburg, and Peoria. Light snow may linger into early Sunday before tapering off. This system is expected to be wet and heavy, making shoveling and plowing more challenging than typical early-season snow.
Cold air behind the system will lock in through early next week, keeping highs in the upper 20s to low 30s and wind chills in the teens.
