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By Jess Thomson
Science Reporter
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Hundreds of thousands of people across Iowa are braced for extremely icy weather as temperatures plummet.
An "Ice Storm Warning" has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for 12 counties across Iowa, with residents being warned not to travel due to "significant icing."
This warning affects Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Grundy, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, Poweshiek, and Tama counties.
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The warning comes into effect this evening, and will last into Saturday afternoon. The NWS Quad Cities office notes that this is the first Ice Storm Warning they have issued in 658 days.
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"Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations between two tenths and three tenths of an inch, and snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch," the National Weather Service Des Moines office said in the warning.
An ice storm is defined by the NWS as weather where "damaging accumulations of ice are expected during freezing rain situations," with an Ice Storm Warning being issued when "more than 1/4" of ice is expected to accumulate in an area."
This icy and windy weather is feared to cause tree damage or power outages and residents are advised not to drive due to slippery roads.
"Travel could be nearly impossible as roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will become slick and hazardous tonight into Saturday morning," the National Weather Service Des Moines office said.
"Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."
The sidewalks may also be icy, so locals are warned to take care when walking outside.
"If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury," the National Weather Service Des Moines office said.
This ice storm is driven by changing wind directions and extremely cold temperatures.
"This trend toward more icing is driven by a slower arrival of above freezing surface temperatures and wet bulb temperatures that prolong the icing," the National Weather Service Des Moines office said in a forecast discussion.
A winter weather advisory has also been issued across the rest of Iowa, as well as parts of Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
This is expected to bring heavy snow and ice to some areas—and may also make for risky travel.
"Plan on slippery road conditions," the National Weather Service La Crosse office in Wisconsin said. "Slow down and use caution while traveling."
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