Severe Storm System Expected to Bring Rain and Potential Wintry Precipitation to Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — Residents in Iowa should prepare for a significant weather system moving through the state, with widespread rain and potential wintry precipitation on the horizon.
The storm system, originating from the Rockies and advancing into the Plains states, is expected to bring rain to Central Iowa, beginning in the southwest and progressing northeast through the midday and afternoon hours on Sunday. With sustained winds of 20-25 mph and gusts potentially topping 30mph, the storm is also expected to bring very breezy conditions.
High temperatures on Monday are likely to occur early in the day, with temperatures falling into the 30s by evening as colder air wraps around the backside of the low pressure. The system is expected to bring continuous rain overnight through Monday afternoon, before a brief break in the rain late Monday into Tuesday, with continuously dry periods not expected until after Wednesday.
In addition, Iowa residents should be prepared for potential wintry precipitation, with the highest probabilities of freezing rain and snow aligning over western portions of the state on Monday. While a brief period of freezing rain may occur for areas along HWY 71 and points west, resulting in a glaze of ice, farther east into Central Iowa, only trace to a few tenths of an inch of snow are expected.
The storm system also brings the possibility of much-needed rainfall, with a widespread 0.5 to 2.5″ of rain possible. This could provide some of the best rainfall parts of the state have seen in months, with the heaviest swath of rain expected along the I-35 corridor and into western Iowa. Even lighter amounts are anticipated east of I-35, but all of Central Iowa is expected to end with a healthy soaking rain.
Residents are advised to monitor weather updates and take appropriate precautions as the severe weather system approaches.