❄Significant Winter Storm Wednesday Into Thursday❄

…Significant Winter Storm Potential Wednesday Into Thursday…

A large storm system will produce hazardous winter travel conditions from northern into central Iowa by Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday. Potentially heavy snowfall is likely in far northern Iowa with accumulations pushing 8 inches or more close to the state border. Strong winds will further aggravate difficult driving conditions by producing widespread blowing snow and visibility reductions to near a quarter mile at times. Mixed precipitation types are more of a concern to the south in central Iowa with a variety of snow, freezing rain, and sleet all possible. Ice accretions may approach a quarter inch over portions of central Iowa should more freezing rain be realized.

….WINTER STORM WARNING FROM NOON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 6 PM THURSDAY FOR CERRO GORDO, WORTH, WINNEBAGO, HANCOCK AND KOSSUTH COUNTIES…

Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Highest snow totals near the state border. Winds  gusting as high as 40 mph.

….WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM NOON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 6 PM THURSDAY FOR WRIGHT, FRANKLIN AND BUTLER COUNTIES…

Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches and ice accumulations of up to one quarter of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

….WINTER STORM WATCH FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR FLOYD AND MITCHELL COUNTIES…

Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow   accumulations of 3 to 7 inches and ice accumulations of up to three tenths of an inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY…WINTER STORM WARNING FROM NOON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 6 PM THURSDAY FOR MOWER COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA…

For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow is expected. Total   snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

….WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 6 AM WEDNESDAY UNTIL NOON THURSDAY FOR FREEBORN AND FARIBAULT COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA…

Heavy snow and blowing snow is expected. Total snow  accumulations of 10 to 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

Precipitation chances ramp up Wednesday morning and afternoon across the state and continue into Wednesday night before winding down early Thursday. Temperature differences will result in varying precipitation types from north to south. Heavy snow and blowing snow are likely near the Minnesota border and may create very difficult travel conditions. Mixed precip types portions of northern into central Iowa. Ice accumulations may near 0.25” if more freezing rain is realized than other precipitation types. Mainly rain for portions of central into southern Iowa. A change over to light snow is possible early Thursday, but will result in little to no accumulation. Those with travel interests should pay close attention to forecast and road condition updates.

Precipitation chances ramp up Wednesday morning and afternoon across the state and continue into Wednesday night before winding down early Thursday. Temperature differences will result in varying precipitation types from north to south. Heavy snow and blowing snow are likely near the Minnesota border and may create very difficult travel conditions. Mixed precip types portions of northern into central Iowa. Ice accumulations may near 0.25” if more freezing rain is realized than other precipitation types. Mainly rain for portions of central into southern Iowa. A change over to light snow is possible early Thursday, but will result in little to no accumulation. Those with travel interests should pay close attention to forecast and road condition updates.

Besides the wintry precipitation, Wednesday into Thursday will also feature strong and gusty winds. This may further aggravate hazardous travel conditions due to blowing snow and reduced visibility. Some power outages also cannot be ruled out should heavier icing amounts occur.