Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri Brace for Severe Winter Weather: Thick Ice and Freezing Rain Expected

A strong winter storm is expected to bring heavy ice and freezing rain to parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri overnight, which may result in dangerous road conditions, widespread power outages, and hazardous travel conditions until Saturday morning in the Quad Cities, IA-IL region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that cautions about the potential for substantial ice accumulation, reaching up to a quarter inch or even more. Additionally, strong winds of up to 30 mph are expected to accompany these conditions.

The combination of ice and gusting winds is likely to cause significant damage to infrastructure, with the possibility of fallen tree limbs and power lines, especially in the areas most affected by the storm. The freezing rain is anticipated to start at midnight and persist through the early hours of Saturday, until temperatures begin to rise later in the day.

Residents in cities like Davenport, Dubuque, Burlington, and Macomb should make necessary preparations for hazardous travel and the possibility of extended power outages. The combination of strong winds and ice buildup will result in treacherous road conditions, posing significant risks for travelers.

To ensure a safe journey, it is advisable for drivers to refrain from undertaking any non-essential travel. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest road conditions, which can be easily accessed through reliable sources like 511ia.org or GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Additionally, it is important to be prepared for potential power outages. It is predicted that the freezing rain will change to another form as temperatures increase later in the morning on Saturday.