A mild, then impactful winter storm system today will make mid-week travel difficult

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – We’re starting the week off quiet and mild, but an impactful winter storm system is set to move into the region by midweek.

Highs in the mid to upper 40s today north of I-80 and some in the lower 50s south of I-80. Look for a mix of sun and clouds as most of the remaining ice pack melts. A cold front will bring winds of up to 25 or 30 mph during the overnight hours.

Highs will cool to the mid 30s Tuesday through Thursday. At this point, two systems are set to bring impactful weather to the Midwest. At this time, the heaviest snow could fall to our north in Minnesota. Some light snow is expected in northern Iowa late Tuesday but will mainly fall throughout Wednesday. Several inches of heavy snow is possible in northern counties of eastern Iowa, with freezing rain mixing with rain farther south and farther southeast. There will be very sharp cuts south of the Highway 20 corridor and from heavy snow to sleet. From this corridor south to I-80, up to a tenth to a quarter of an inch of snow is possible. However, just looking for the amount of snow can cause problems on the roads.

This system will affect travel on Wednesday and travel effects may last through Thursday. Another system could bring more light snow into Friday. If you plan to travel to Minnesota on Wednesday or Thursday, please start making alternate plans. Even domestic travel will be difficult on Wednesday as snow piles up. This is a tricky and messy forecast, try to get the latest.

Copyright 2023 KCRG. all rights reserved.