Des Moines, IA – A significant winter storm is expected to sweep across Iowa late Friday through Saturday night, bringing widespread snowfall and potentially hazardous travel conditions for post-Thanksgiving travelers.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, accumulating snow will begin Friday evening and spread statewide overnight, continuing through much of Saturday. Forecasters report a high likelihood of at least 4 inches of snow across the northern two-thirds of Iowa, with probabilities exceeding 90% in many locations from Sioux City to Mason City and Waterloo.
The most concerning zone lies across northern Iowa, where there is a 60–75% chance of more than 8 inches of snow, based on updated snowfall probabilities released Wednesday evening. This includes areas near Fort Dodge, Algona, Mason City, Decorah, and portions of northeast Iowa.
Snow may briefly mix with rain across southern Iowa on Saturday, but colder air returning Saturday night will shift all precipitation back to snow before tapering off late. Travel impacts, however, may linger into Sunday morning as crews work to clear widespread slick and snow-covered roads.
Moderate winter impacts are expected across central and eastern Iowa, including along I-80 and areas north of the interstate. These impacts could include hazardous driving conditions, reduced visibility, infrastructure disruptions, and the potential for road closures in heavier snow bands.
Residents planning post-holiday travel should prepare for delays and consider adjusting plans during the Friday night to Saturday night window, when the worst conditions are expected.
