Des Moines, IA – Snow is set to spread across Iowa within the next few hours, with slick roads developing in time for the Tuesday evening commute as light accumulation begins statewide.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, snow will develop during the afternoon from northwest to southeast Iowa, becoming widespread by early evening before tapering off late tonight. Most of central Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, and Marshalltown, can expect up to 1 inch, while northern and eastern areas such as Mason City, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids could see 1 to 2 inches.
The timing creates the greatest impact between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when snowfall will coincide with peak travel. Roadways including I-35, I-80, and US-30 may become slick quickly, especially on untreated surfaces and elevated bridges. Visibility could briefly drop during steadier bursts, further slowing traffic.
Southern and western Iowa, including Creston and Council Bluffs, will likely see lighter totals under 1 inch, but even minor accumulation can create hazardous driving conditions as temperatures hover near freezing.
Drivers should plan for reduced speeds, increased stopping distances, and check Iowa DOT road conditions before leaving. Snow will diminish late tonight, but lingering slick spots could still impact the Wednesday morning commute.
