Iowa wakes up under a pale winter sky, with loose snow skimming across open roads and wind rattling fences in rural stretches. Headlights catch streaks of blowing snow, and pavement that looked clear moments ago turns slick without warning. Conditions are lining up for a tricky start to the new workweek.
The National Weather Service Quad Cities office says strong south to southwest winds develop late tonight and persist into Monday, creating areas of drifting and patchy blowing snow. Wind gusts of 15 to 30 mph may not produce a major snowstorm, but they are enough to move recently fallen snow back onto roadways.
The biggest concern focuses on east–west roads, especially in open and rural areas across the Quad Cities region. Light drifting can reduce traction quickly, and cold temperatures limit how effective road treatments can be. Drivers may encounter slick spots even where roads appear wet or partially clear.
Travel impacts are most likely from about 3 a.m. through early afternoon Monday. Commuters heading out before sunrise should expect changing conditions, particularly on secondary highways and county roads. Brief reductions in visibility are possible where snow lifts off fields and crosses roadways.
While snowfall totals remain low, this setup is a classic early winter travel hazard. Conditions can deteriorate fast, especially near bridges, overpasses, and exposed stretches along I-80, I-74, and U.S. 30. Extra travel time is advised, along with checking road conditions before heading out.
Looking ahead, temperatures gradually moderate later in the week. However, lingering snowpack combined with warming afternoons could set up refreezing at night, keeping slick travel concerns in play as Christmas travel approaches.
