Davenport, IA – A significant winter storm is expected to disrupt travel across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois beginning Friday night, with 8 to 10 inches of heavy snow forecast through early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, two Winter Storm Warnings cover a wide stretch of the region including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, Muscatine, Clinton, Mount Pleasant, Maquoketa, Freeport, Rock Island, and surrounding communities. Snow will begin between 9 p.m. and midnight Friday, increasing in intensity overnight.
Widespread snowfall totals around 8 inches, with pockets reaching 10 inches, are expected across both states. Wind gusts up to 25 mph will contribute to blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially on rural roads and elevated stretches.
The storm is expected to create very difficult to impossible travel conditions, particularly Saturday as snow continues steadily throughout the day. Roads may quickly become snow-covered, and visibility may drop suddenly during heavier bursts. Local officials warn that travel may be dangerous even for experienced winter drivers.
Major roadways likely to be impacted include I-80, I-380, US-61, US-151, Highway 30, Highway 6, and Illinois Route 84, as well as connecting roads throughout Johnson, Linn, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa, Dubuque, and Jackson counties.
Travelers are urged to delay trips until after the storm exits early Sunday. Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, use caution on bridges and overpasses, and check updated road conditions at 511ia.org in Iowa and gettingaroundillinois.com in Illinois.
Snow is expected to taper off by early Sunday morning as the system moves east.
