Winter Storm Watch In Effect For Most Of The Quad Cities
We knew earlier this week that a snow storm was heading towards the Quad Cities and much of the northern part of the listening area this weekend. Since we have gotten closer to the weekend and the storm approaching, more details about the storm are becoming more apparent.
On Friday, the National Weather Service of the Quad Cities announced that a Winter Storm Watch will go into effect for most of the Quad Cities area Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.
Most of this snow is going to impact most of the northern part Quad Cities area, especially along I-80. I assume as we move into Saturday, this Winter Storm Watch will probably get bumped up to a Winter Storm Warning, especially due to snowfall total predictions, strong winds and drifting snow. That hasn't happened yet, but don't be surprised.
As of right now, the National Weather Service of the Quad Cities is predicating snowfall totals around 4-8 inches is possible. Winds will also be gusting up to 25 mph during this storm, causing terrible travel conditions and snow drifting.
Forecasters are less certain as to snowfall amounts and ice accumulation to the south of the QCA. Due to warmer air towards the south of the listening area, this could lead to mixing and less snowfall. The NWS says that those more towards the south should stay tuned since the storm is most likely going to shift as we get closer.
As of Friday morning at 7 a.m., the current weekend forecast for the Quad Cities area is as follows:
- Saturday
- Rain and snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain before 3pm, then rain and snow between 3pm and 5pm, then snow after 5pm.
- High near 34.
- Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
- Saturday Night
- Snow. The snow could be heavy at times.
- Low around 31.
- East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
- Sunday
- Snow likely before noon.
- Cloudy, with a high near 34.
- Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.