Friday starts with wintry mix, poor road conditions to start a weekend of winter weather

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register

The National Weather Service Des Moines is warning that two rounds of winter weather, complete with mixed rain, snow, thunderstorm and ice events, will hit central Iowa starting Friday and continuing into next week.

Rain, snow and thunderstorms caused slick roads and very low visibilities during Friday morning’s commute, the NWS said. Flurries started falling in downtown Des Moines around 8:30 Friday morning.

Northern Iowa can expect snow, including periods of heavy and wet snow. In central Iowa, rain, wintry mix and heavy and wet snow are expected. Southern Iowa will receive rain and a wintry mix.

What weather can Iowa expect Friday?

North and northeast Iowa will see the most snowfall on Friday, with 2 to 4 inches possible. NWS meteorologists said impactful snowfall is likely across portions of Iowa from Highway 20 south to Interstate 80 as rain turns to snow and wintry mix.

More: Did you hear thunder? Thundersnow is real. Let us explain.

Central Iowa can expect the wintry mix to continue through 9 a.m. Friday, and eastern Iowa until 11 a.m.

Conditions in Des Moines on Friday will be snowy, rainy and breezy. The high is expected to be 40 degrees, with a low of 26 degrees overnight. The total daytime and sleet accumulation is expected to be around an inch.

How can I check Iowa road conditions?

Be prepared and check road conditions before you head out. NWS warned online that there's an increasing number of accidents Friday morning.

You can check road conditions any time online with the Iowa Department of Transportation's interactive map at 511ia.org or by dialing 511.

The National Weather Service expects very low visibility on the roads to continue through the weekend and offered tips for drivers:

  • Clean off your vehicle before driving, flying snow from cars can cause accidents.

  • Keep it slow, and don't use cruise control. The roads can be slick even if they only look wet.

  • Leave extra distance between vehicles, and stay especially far away from snow plows.

What will Des Moines' weather look like over the weekend?

Saturday, there is a slight chance of rain and snow in Des Moines after 5 p.m., with a high of 39 degrees during the day. Snow showers are expected into the night, with a low of 31 degrees.

On Sunday, rain and snow showers are possible before 7 p.m., with a high of 46 degrees. Into the night, there's a 90% chance of rain with snowfall up to an inch possible.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa can expect more winter weather, bad road conditions all weekend

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