Winter Storm (2/28 - 3/2)

3/1 Update #10 - 9:30 PM

Snow continues in Ames as well as much of Iowa with wind gusts ranging from 25-40 mph with gusts being reported as high as 60 mph. This no matter how much snow is on the ground and falling is causing blizzard conditions throughout the area. Despite only have 2-3 inches in Ames, conditions here and surrounding roads are nearly impassible. In fact reports have came in that Highway 69 north of Ames has vehicles that are stuck on the roadway and abandoned due to being stuck in drifts. Story county officials have pretty much indicated that all roads should not be traveled tonight. All roads in western Iowa and central Iowa from Des Moines north are indicating that travel is not advised. Some of the more notable snowfall amounts include 14 inches in Estherville, IA; Atlantic, IA also 14 inches; NNW of Fort Dodge has 12 inches; Carroll/Denison area also has 14-16 inches.

Expect light to moderate snow throughout the night, accumulations 1-3 inches likely as the snow continues and winds stay steady at 30-40 mph with gusts up to 50. Many schools across western/central Iowa are already delayed or canceled. I do have a short time lapse video of Ames, IA from around 5 PM to 9 PM that I will try to get uploaded as well shortly...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #9 - 5:00 PM

Snow band now setting up from Ottumwa, IA northwestward through Emmetsburg, IA and even further. This band will work southeast through the next several hours as it is seemingly tapping into strong moisture. Expect moderate to heavy snow with this band, winds 25-35 will likely make this near blizzard conditions with visibilities less than a 1/2 mile. Interstate 35 is being closed from Ankeny to Ames as well, travel no longer being advised anywhere near Ames. Snow accumulating on roadways now as it is falling quick enough, thus expect rapid accumulations. Next update not likely until late tonight (approx. 9 PM)...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #8 - 4:30 PM

Several roadways, including I29, I80 and I35 remain at least partially closed throughout the state. National Guard is supposedly out on some portions of I80 looking for stranded motorists, Highway 20 in northwest Iowa has been closed due to the road being treacherous and semi's jackknifed blocking most of the roadway. Moderate snowfall occurring in Ames once again with very light/small flakes falling, keeping visibilities under a 1/2 mile. Blizzard Warning still in effect for Ames, although snow totals likely to only be 3-4 inches as mentioned before. Travel still not advised and Iowa State University yet to make a decision on classes tomorrow...

New Pressure Low: Vinton, IA @ 4:24 PM -- Pressure 28.87 (977.5 mb)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #7 - 3:00 PM

Snow has tapered off for the time being in Ames, with nearly no accumulation on the roadways thus far. Still expected to receive 3-6 inches by tomorrow morning with lingering snow expected tomorrow. Right now it seems as if some of the lows' moisture is being cut off and not as much wrap around precipitation is occurring. Winds are still quite strong and areas that have had snowfall are in some bad conditions. Expect winds to continue around 30 mph with snowfall off and on throughout the afternoon and into tonight. Likely accumulations around 3 inches seems best bet to me with the lack of moisture currently noted around the low...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #6 - 1:30 PM

The low pressure system continues to strengthen, now with the lowest pressure being found in Grinnel, IA at 28.89 inches of mercury or about 978.2 mb. Light snow now in Ames with not much accumulation on roadways beings they were so wet previously. Expect the snow to pick back up with the next band that should rotate around by 2 PM. Checking out the latest RUC forecast doesn't look that great as far as holding up to our 'blizzard' conditions that are forecasted. Not as much moisture seems to be present, thus I think this mornings snowfall might have been the best we see despite the low pressure strengthening this afternoon. Winds will pick up, but the snow just won't be as heavy looking at latest forecasts and current radar. Ames is likely looking at 3-6 inches of snow with the winds, which may still be enough to warrant the blizzard warning if the snow can come down heavy enough and not the light snowfall like we've seen the past hour.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #5 - 12:40 PM

Short update here, just to mention that the snow has now begun to fall in Ames, IA. Other reports as of late include a 6 inch report from Pocahontas, IA; 5 inches in Jefferson, IA; Audubon, IA also has a report of 8 inches... The winner thus far is Libberdale, IA in Carrol county with a report of 10.5 inches. But, as I type a new report has came across from Denison, IA and it is declared the new winner with 7.5 inches of snow in the past 2 hours with total accumulations of 14-16 inches!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #4 - 12:30 PM

No major updates as of now, snow should begin over much of the central part of the state within the next hour. The sheriff's department has stated that they do not recommend travel anywhere in the western or northern part of the state. Snowfall in parts of western Iowa is likely to be even higher than originally forecasted with reports likely over a foot by this evening and still more snow to come overnight. The low pressure system is slightly north than forecasted, thus areas such as Ames might not see quite as much snowfall as we could have. Nonetheless, snowfall when falling will be aided by strong northwest winds which are already noted to be greater than 30 mph across much of western IA/eastern NE.

You can watch how the snow continues and how conditions look over much of central Iowa by viewing the IEM Webcams.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #3 - 11:00 AM

Continued road closures include I35 from Highway 30 north to the MN border now being closed. The low pressure system continues to drop in pressure, latest report from Chartion, IA indicates the low at 980.4 mb. To the west of the low winds have increased considerably, now indicating up to 30 mph average wind speed. Also to note, Iowa State Univ. is now closing at 1 PM today due to the deteriorating conditions.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #2 - 10:30 AM

Severe winter weather continues, Iowa roads begin closing. Nearly all roads in western Iowa have been limited with no towing help being provided as conditions worsen. Notable roads that are now closed as of just after 10 am include Interstate 29 throughout the entire state, I80 from the Nebraska border to Exit 100. Highway 71 & Highway 59 are both under 'No Travel Recommendation' throughout the entire state as well. Roads in central Iowa are reported as being mostly covered, while roads in the east are mainly wet. For constantly updated road reports, please use the Iowa Road Conditions Website.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/1 Update #1 - 9:45 AM

Radar is currently running and is updating online on my homepage, radar showing strong reflectivity's from Greene county off to the northeast to Franklin & Butler counties. The precipitation at those areas is currently falling as rain/sleet mixture just as it is currently in Ames, IA. Heavy snow is being reported in northwest Iowa as well as along the IA/NE border. This should continue throughout the day and as temperatures drop as the low continues to move east/northeast the remainder of western/central Iowa will see the changeover to snow. Currently the low is centered near Osceola, IA with a pressure down to 983 mb; down 1 mb from last hour.

GFS & NAM are both indicating over a foot of snow is still possible in western Iowa as well as north-central Iowa. Winds are already 10-20 mph with expected increase as the low pressure system strengthens during the afternoon. With rain coming down at first and pavement temperatures very near freezing, expect a glaze of ice is possible first before the snow takes over. Updates will continue on this post throughout the day...