Quad Cities, Iowa/Illinois – A strong cold front sweeping through eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois this afternoon is expected to rapidly change rain to snow, bringing blowing snow, falling temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, rain will transition to snow from west to east this afternoon. A brief period of wintry mix is possible during the changeover before colder air fully settles in. Strong winds behind the front are expected to produce blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially in rural and open areas.
Snowfall totals are forecast to range from 1 to 3 inches north of Highway 30, including areas near Dubuque and northward. South of Highway 30, including much of the Quad Cities metro, snowfall amounts are expected to be around an inch or less. Despite relatively modest totals, impacts may be significant due to wind and rapidly dropping temperatures.
Forecasters warn that plunging temperatures this afternoon and evening could lead to a flash freeze, causing wet roads to quickly turn icy. This may result in slick and hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the late afternoon and evening commute.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. this afternoon through 9 a.m. Monday for portions of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. Light snow is expected to continue tonight, mainly north of Interstate 80, before tapering off by mid-morning Monday.
The National Weather Service said blowing and drifting snow may make snowfall difficult to measure in some areas, while visibility may briefly drop to near zero during stronger gusts. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions.
Students, commuters, and early-morning travelers Monday should plan for icy roads and lingering snow impacts. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and advisories at weather.gov/dvn.
