Snow is continuing to push east with eastern Iowa seeing their first real impacts this evening. The western one-fourth of the state is just about completely clear of snow. The heaviest area of snow currently exists just north of the Des Moines metro with light-to-moderate snow elsewhere. Snowfall rates of an half inch to an inch per hour are likely in most areas with localized area of 1-2″ an hour possible. Things should be clear for the central part of the state around daybreak with snow continuing through the early morning hours tomorrow for eastern Iowa.

Roads continue to be treacherous across the area. Basically all roads north of Interstate 80 continue to be covered with snow or ice. Travel is not advised for the Des Moines and Waterloo metropolitan areas, including surrounding areas into Ames, Eldora, Hampton, Iowa Falls, Mason City, and Waverly. Nonetheless – in most all areas – you should not travel tonight unless it’s an emergency. Roads in eastern Iowa, while being marked as only partially covered, will worsen through tonight and not be well for the early morning commute. Roads in western Iowa should be on the improvement as the snow has left that area for the most part.

Tow bans continue across much of the state, primarily along Interstate 35 and 80. Further counties in eastern Iowa will likely be added tonight. These may not be lifted until later tomorrow.

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for the eastern three-fourths of the state. These will expire at 6:00 a.m. for central Iowa and noon for eastern Iowa, where the snow is expected to last further into the morning. Snow just started in some of these areas with totals up to 12″ possible.

Stay tuned to the Iowa Weather Network for the latest updates!