CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa News Now) – Ice storm warnings have been expanded to cover most of eastern Iowa. Ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-third of an inch are expected due to persistent freezing rain Saturday. Conditions will improve from south to north as the day progresses.

CONCLUSION: If you don’t have to travel, stay home. If you must drive, drive slowly, stay on main roads and take emergency equipment with you.

Starting Saturday morning, ice will begin to cover… well, pretty much everything in eastern Iowa. All untreated streets and sidewalks are covered in ice from freezing rain and sleet.

SATURDAY MORNING

• Freezing rain/sleet will continue to spread northward
• Driving on untreated roads will be very difficult, if not impossible
• Gusty winds can cause sporadic power outages and tree damage due to ice buildup
• During the mid-morning hours, temperatures south of I-80 will begin to rise above freezing
• South of I-80, conditions will begin to improve between 10 a.m. and noon

SATURDAY LUNCH

• Rain will begin near Highway 30 between 12 and 2 p.m
• Road conditions will gradually improve as temperatures rise above freezing
• Moderate freezing rain continues in the north

SATURDAY EVENING

• Rain will begin near Highway 20 between 3 and 5 p.m
• Road conditions will gradually improve as temperatures rise above freezing
• In the far north, freezing rain will last until 10 p.m. until midnight

Ice forms on anything below freezing: untreated roads, sidewalks, cars, windows, mailboxes, signs, etc. When walking outdoors, be careful and take it slowly – walk like a penguin! Also watch out for falling ice once melting begins.

Luckily Sunday remains calm and temperatures will be above freezing in the afternoon.