(Valley) – Much of KMAland could get its first taste of slick driving conditions Friday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for all of KMAland, including southwest Iowa, southeast Nebraska and northwest Missouri, beginning this afternoon and lasting through tomorrow morning. Clint Aegerter is a meteorologist at the Weather Service office in Valley, Nebraska. Aegerter tells KMA News that freezing rain could well occur in the afternoon if temperatures persist throughout the day.

“It might start around three or so, but after six the chances really increase – around six o’clock or so the chance of rain is about 60%, and at that point it will probably be freezing rain,” Aegerter said . “The big question will be how soon warmer weather sets in and rises above freezing.”

The weather service is currently forecasting about a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation across southwest Iowa before warmer conditions arrive overnight. But according to Aegerter, freezing rain appears to be the main danger.

“We’re not expecting any snow, and there may be some sleet mixed in at times, but as far as snow accumulation, we’re not expecting anything,” he said. “It’s mostly freezing rain with slippery roads and slippery sidewalks – things like that. So it will be slippery out there in the evening and possible during the evening commute.”

Given the timing and the possibility of ice forming on cold roads, Aegerter is urging motorists who need to be on the roads tonight to be cautious and prepared.

“Take it slow and keep an eye on the weather throughout the day and see how the roads develop – use Iowa 511 as the Iowa DOT has a great website that shows all road conditions,” Aegerter emphasized. “So keep an eye on things and be prepared – if you’re out and about, drive slowly because roads that look like they’re just wet are probably a little icy, especially bridges and overpasses.”

However, he cautions that the icy conditions in KMAland should not last for too long, with temperatures expected to rise back above 40°C on Saturday and Sunday. For more information about road conditions in Iowa, visit 511ia.org. For road closures and information in Missouri, go to traveler.modot.org and for Nebraska, go to 511.nebraska.gov.