Des Moines, IA – A fast-moving winter system brought widespread snow across much of Iowa overnight, creating slick roads, reduced visibility, and multiple early-morning crashes along Interstate 80, according to updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) Des Moines and the Quad Cities weather office.
Snow expanded across the state late Friday night into early Saturday, with radar imagery showing pockets of heavier snow bands drifting eastward. By 12:30 a.m., Iowa DOT road condition maps indicated rapidly deteriorating travel conditions, with numerous stretches of partially to completely snow-covered roads, especially across central and eastern Iowa.
The NWS Quad Cities office reported that several crashes have already occurred along I-80 overnight, urging drivers to reduce speeds and allow extra travel time. Forecasters warn that slick conditions may persist through much of Saturday as temperatures remain cold and snow continues to accumulate on roadways.
Visibility has been reduced in many areas, particularly beneath heavier snow bursts. Motorists traveling early this morning—especially along major corridors such as I-80, I-35, US-20, and US-30—should be prepared for sudden drops in visibility and rapidly changing pavement conditions.
Snow is expected to gradually taper off from west to east through the day, but untreated roads may remain slick well into the afternoon. Plow crews are working across the state, though NWS stresses that drivers should slow down and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
If you must travel today, allow additional time, keep headlights on, and maintain safe following distances.
