Des Moines, IA – A major winter storm is set to impact much of Iowa starting Friday evening, creating dangerous conditions for Post-Thanksgiving travelers as 9 to 14 inches of snow spread across central and western portions of the state through early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, heavy snow will begin late Friday and intensify overnight, affecting counties from Winnebago and Worth in the north, through Story, Polk, and Jasper in central Iowa, and extending west toward Sac, Calhoun, Webster, and Carroll counties. Two separate Winter Storm Warnings cover the region, with snowfall totals between 8 and 14 inches depending on location.
Forecasters warn that travel may become very difficult to impossible, especially Saturday when snowfall rates increase and visibility drops. Strong winds could produce blowing and drifting snow, making rural highways particularly hazardous.
Major routes expected to be impacted include I-35, I-80, US-20, US-30, and Highway 65, along with numerous secondary roads around cities such as Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, Waterloo, Marshalltown, Newton, Pella, Ottumwa, Carroll, Denison, Atlantic, Creston, and Osceola.
Transportation officials urge all travelers to reconsider weekend plans due to the widespread nature of the storm and the timing immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday. Those who must travel should prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions, carry emergency supplies, and allow extra time.
Visibility may change suddenly during heavier bursts of snow, and snow-covered roadways may create challenges even for experienced winter drivers. Officials emphasize allowing greater following distance, reducing speed, and avoiding abrupt braking.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Sunday as the system exits the region.
