What is an Ice Storm Warning? What you should know about freezing rain in Iowa

A winter weather advisory for freezing rain is in effect for all of Iowa from Friday afternoon through Saturday, and an ice storm warning is in effect for parts of eastern Iowa.

Travel will be difficult, particularly in central and northern Iowa, due to ice formation. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill forecasts will be in the single digits to mid-teens on Friday and warmer as the weekend progresses.

What is an Ice Storm Warning?

An ice storm warning means at least a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service. It is one of three types of winter warnings issued by local authorities.

A freezing rain warning means up to a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation is expected. According to the NWS, winter weather warnings are issued for three reasons, one of which is freezing rain.

Where is the ice storm warning in Iowa?

An ice storm warning is in effect for an area stretching from Grinnell to Waterloo and through the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas. About a quarter inch of ice accumulation can be expected in this area.

The warning begins on Friday at 8 p.m. and lasts until Saturday afternoon.

What is the forecast for ice formation in Iowa?

Parts of central to eastern Iowa can expect the greatest accumulation. The highest predicted amounts include:

Cedar Rapids: 0.26 inches
Grinnell: 0.24 inches
Waterloo: 0.23 inches

What is the weather forecast for Des Moines?

Up to 0.09 inches of ice is expected to accumulate in Des Moines on Friday and Saturday. According to the NWS, it will arrive in the Des Moines metro around 6 p.m. Friday.

Friday began with wind chills below freezing in Des Moines. It is expected to gradually warm up throughout the day, with wind chills at 14 degrees at 6 p.m. and 22 degrees at midnight.

When does freezing rain start in Iowa?

The forecast freezing rain is expected to begin in southwest Iowa before or around 4 p.m. Meanwhile, central and northern Iowa will experience freezing rain Friday around 6 p.m. The storm is expected to hit eastern Iowa around 10 p.m

What is the minimum wind chill forecast for Friday?

Along with freezing rain, Iowa will experience cool, below-freezing winds and low temperatures during the day throughout Friday morning. Wind chill temperatures will barely climb into the single digits in central Iowa by midday and will remain in the low double digits into the evening.

What does the weather radar show in Iowa?

Here’s a look at the National Weather Service’s current central Iowa radar:

Tips for dealing with the freezing weather and checking road conditions in Iowa

According to the NWS, travel will become dangerous Friday evening through Saturday. Tree branches and power lines could freeze over, and wind speeds of up to 20 mph could cause frozen branches to break or power outages.

More:How to check Iowa road conditions and DOT cameras when winter weather arrives

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