CEDAR RAPIDS — A trifecta of nasty weather — rain, hail and snow — is expected to descend on parts of Eastern Iowa over the next few days.
With uncertainty over weather patterns steering the storm, the National Weather Service cautions there could be wide variations — like spring weather in some parts south of Interstate 80 while storms threaten areas to the north.
Severe thunderstorms in the Corridor are unlikely, the weather service said, but large hail starting Friday afternoon is possible.
Near and north of I-80, 1 or 2 inches of rain by Saturday afternoon is expected. And the levels of rivers, creeks and streams could rise into next week, according to the forecast. For Cedar Falls, the weather service issued a flood watch for the Cedar River through Wednesday. But as of midday Friday, the river there still was 7 feet below flood stage.
Storms on Saturday are capable of producing small hail and cloud-to-ground lightning, the weather service said.
By late Saturday, the rain could transition into a wintry mix or snow, particularly in a swath from northwest of Cedar Rapids to Dubuque.
The weather service said there could be small accumulations of snow into Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to fall over the next several days, from a high of about 53 Friday to 44 Saturday to 37 Sunday. Lows will decrease from about 37 to 29 to 23.
“The falling snow, combined with brisk winds, may lead to significantly reduced visibility and slick roads,” the forecast said.
By Monday, sunshine returns with a high of about 42 predicted.