Mason City, Iowa – Roads across central and western Iowa will turn slick after 6 p.m. Thursday as accumulating snow spreads east, creating hazardous travel through early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. CST Friday for portions of north central, central and southwest Iowa. Counties including Cerro Gordo, Wright, Jasper, Poweshiek, Warren and Marion can expect 2 to 4 inches of snow. Additional advisories stretch west through Pocahontas, Humboldt, Sac, Calhoun, Adair, Madison, Adams and Union counties with similar totals.
Cities such as Mason City, Newton, Grinnell, Indianola, Pella, Creston and Winterset are likely to see steady snowfall during the evening commute. Snowfall rates may briefly intensify, leading to quick coatings on bridges and overpasses along Interstates 35 and 80 and U.S. Highway 20.
While higher totals of 5 to 8 inches are expected farther north and east under a Winter Storm Warning, even 2 to 4 inches will create slippery stretches and reduced visibility at times.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra braking distance and check conditions on the Iowa 511 app or by dialing 511 before heading out. Snow tapers toward daybreak Friday, but icy spots may linger into the morning commute.
