Icy Blast: Freezing Rain and Hazardous Conditions Set to Grip the Region

A significant winter storm is trending colder and shifting further south, bringing a prolonged period of freezing rain and a wintry mix to the region.

Ice accumulation is expected to be widespread, with most areas seeing around a tenth of an inch of ice. However, the hardest-hit areas in east-central Iowa could see ice accumulation ranging from 0.25 to 0.30 inches. These ice levels will likely cause hazardous travel conditions, particularly on untreated roads, and could result in damage to tree limbs and power outages in areas with higher ice amounts. Conditions will likely persist into Saturday afternoon in the northeast, with freezing drizzle or mist continuing into the evening.

This winter storm is moving in slower than initially expected due to a southward shift in the low-pressure system, and its colder trajectory is intensifying the freezing rain threat. As warm air moves over a cold surface layer, precipitation will fall as supercooled liquid rain, freezing upon contact with surfaces. The recent cold spell has deepened frost levels and lowered ground temperatures, making roads particularly prone to icing. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for much of the region tonight and into tomorrow morning, extending the window for ice accumulation.

As a result of these factors, an Ice Storm Warning has been expanded further south. Travel during this storm is strongly discouraged as road conditions will be treacherous. Winds in areas with significant ice accumulation could exacerbate damage to trees and power lines, leading to localized outages.

Although freezing rain will dominate, other precipitation types may also occur. In northern areas, heavier precipitation could cool the atmosphere enough to transition freezing rain to wet snow, which could result in quick snow accumulations of up to an inch. Additionally, colder regions could see sleet or ice pellets mixing with the freezing rain, potentially reducing ice accumulation in those areas.

As Saturday progresses, southern areas should see temperatures rise above freezing by midday, transitioning freezing rain to regular rainfall. However, areas north of Highway 30 may remain below freezing for much of the day, prolonging icy conditions. In the northeast, winter weather impacts may linger into the afternoon and evening, with freezing drizzle or mist possible even after the main storm system moves out.

By Sunday, warmer air will spread across the region, bringing relief from freezing conditions and shifting precipitation to rain. Temperatures are expected to remain mild through the start of next week, although additional rain is possible Sunday night into Monday. Another cooldown is anticipated mid to late next week, but for now, the region can look forward to a brief break from winter’s icy grip.

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