The forecast published late last evening continues to be, for the most part, on track. A wide swath of precipitation is currently affecting the northeastern one-fourth of the state with a variety of precipitation types, from rain on the eastern edge of it, to snow on the western edge, and even some sleet and freezing rain in the middle. At 1:10 a.m., the automated airport stations in Waterloo, Marshalltown, Ames, and Des Moines were reported light freezing rain. Several other stations are reporting “UP,” or unknown precipitation – which typically is a toss-up between all four types. This precipitation is expected to continue moving northeast through the overnight and likely leaving a light glaze of ice, rain, or snow behind it. This will create hazardous travel overnight, so brace for that.

The current area we are monitoring is across the Central Plains. Icy/rainy precipitation in Kansas and snow in Nebraska is expected to expand in coverage this morning and move northeast into the area. This is the focal point for our concern on Monday with ice likely in the southern part of the warning area and heavy snow, up to 10″ in some parts, in the northern end of the watch area.