Davenport, IA – A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 AM Sunday for a wide stretch of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, where heavy snow and strong winds continue to create hazardous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Quad Cities.
Forecasters expect an additional 7 to 11 inches of snow across the region today and tonight. Snowfall rates combined with gusts up to 35 mph will reduce visibility and lead to blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural and open areas.
The warning covers major communities including Dubuque, Manchester, Anamosa, Maquoketa, Tipton, Muscatine, Davenport, Clinton, and Rock Island, as well as Illinois counties encompassing Galena, Freeport, Sterling, Princeton, Geneseo, Aledo, and surrounding towns.
Roads—particularly bridges and overpasses—are expected to become slick and snow-covered. NWS warns that travel could become very difficult to impossible at times, especially as another round of strong winds develops tonight. Visibility may drop rapidly beneath heavier bands and blowing snow.
The heaviest snowfall is expected through much of today, with a second period of worsening conditions late this evening as winds increase again. Officials strongly encourage delaying any nonessential travel until after the storm exits early Sunday.
For those who must be on the road, emergency planners urge drivers to carry a winter storm kit, including blankets, booster cables, water, food, a flashlight, a shovel, and extra clothing in case of becoming stranded.
Road condition information is available through 511ia.org in Iowa and GettingAroundIllinois.com in Illinois.
