Singer Paul Simon’s “Slip Sliding Away” seems an appropriate song on this icy central Iowa morning.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued a winter weather advisory for Polk County and Iowa counties west of Des Moines, while an ice storm warning is in effect on the eastern side of the state.

“Travel remains treacherous due to icy roads,” weather service forecasters said in the release, noting temperatures will rise above freezing, with freezing rain expected south of Highway 20. The northern part of the state will likely see a winter mix that will include light snow, weather service forecasters said.

What is an Ice Storm Warning?

An ice storm warning means at least a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service. It is one of three types of winter warnings issued by local authorities.

A freezing rain warning means up to a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation is expected. According to the NWS, winter weather warnings are issued for three reasons, one of which is freezing rain.

“Freezing rain will lead to dangerously icy surfaces today,” is forecast for Saturday. Be prepared for dangerous travel while tree branches and power lines may be covered in ice. “Icy branches can break and localized power outages may occur.”

More: How to check Iowa road conditions and DOT cameras when winter weather arrives

What is the forecast for ice formation in Iowa?

The weather service predicted about 0.2 inches of freezing rain in Des Moines.

Parts of central to eastern Iowa are expected to see the greatest accumulation of ice, with totals ranging from a quarter inch in places like Grinnell, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo to nearly half an inch in Ottumwa.

Des Moines, Ames and most other areas are expected to see about 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice accumulation.

The weather service warned of “risk of slipping and falling on icy steps, sidewalks and driveways.”

What is the weather forecast for Des Moines?

The weather service predicts temperatures will rise throughout the day. “Conditions will improve as temperatures rise above freezing today,” the weather service said. “Slippery spots can remain, especially on untreated surfaces.”

The weather service is reporting dense fog for Saturday night, followed by foggy but dry weather on Sunday with maximum temperatures of over 30 to mid 40 degrees.

What does the weather radar show in Iowa?

Here’s a look at the National Weather Service’s current central Iowa radar:

Tips for dealing with the freezing weather and checking road conditions in Iowa

According to the NWS, travel will become dangerous Friday evening through Saturday. Tree branches and power lines could freeze over, and wind speeds of up to 20 mph could cause frozen branches to break or power outages.

Drivers should also check road conditions before driving. The Iowa Department of Transportation reminded Iowans that ice forms most quickly on bridges and overpasses because they are exposed to cold air from all sides.

What are the road conditions in Iowa?

The Iowa State Patrol said it responded to 92 calls from 3 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Of these, 34 involved accidents, 30 resulted in property damage and four resulted in personal injury. None of them were fatal.

Kate Kealey contributed to this article.

(This story has been updated to include new information.)

Susan Stapleton is entertainment editor and restaurant reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach her on Facebook, Twitteror Instagram, or message her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Des Moines Register: What you should know about the winter weather advisory in Des Moines