Davenport, Iowa – Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly tonight across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois as another fast-moving clipper system delivers accumulating snow, especially north of Interstate 80.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, snow will develop Tuesday evening with the heaviest snowfall expected between late evening and the early overnight hours. Snowfall rates could approach 1 inch per hour for a few hours, making roads slick and visibility poor. Forecasters warn of a very sharp cutoff in totals, with some areas seeing little snow while others receive several inches.
Statewide, the greatest impacts are expected north of I-80, including communities along and north of Highway 20. A narrow band of 3 to 4 inches of snow is possible from near Dubuque westward toward Waterloo, while areas closer to Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities could see lighter totals, especially south of Highway 30.
Major routes including Interstate 80, Highway 20 and Highway 61 could become hazardous overnight as snow accumulates quickly on untreated roads. Reduced visibility and drifting snow may worsen conditions as winds increase toward Wednesday morning.
Drivers are urged to adjust travel plans, slow down and allow extra time if traveling tonight. Officials stress that even small shifts in the snow band could change totals locally, and conditions may vary sharply over short distances. Winds are expected to increase Wednesday, potentially leading to additional blowing and drifting snow before conditions gradually improve later in the day.
