Weekend Blizzard!?!

This morning areas of central Iowa were upgraded into a Blizzard Watch as snowfall combined with gusty winds during the day on Sunday is likely to create blizzard or near blizzard conditions. Other areas of the state are still under a Winter Storm Watch, however these areas are still expected to receive the same conditions if not an additional threat of significant ice accumulation. Currently areas southeast of a Nebraska City, NE to Mason City, IA to LaCrosse, WI are under some type of watch for this system. Areas northwest of that line are likely to only see an inch or less of snow with this system; gusty winds may accompany cold temperatures as well.

The storm system should make its' way into the state tonight as the low pressure travels through central Missouri. Precipitation tonight is currently forecasted to mainly fall as freezing rain, up to a third of an inch of freezing rain may occur across portions of the southeastern half of the state. This freezing rain is likely to accumulate along a line over the state, this isn't expected to be widespread significant icing. However, at least some accumulations over the remainder of the area will still be enough to cause hazardous driving conditions.

As this system continues to move to the northeast, low moving into Illinois and towards Lake Michigan through Sunday. Expect the precipitation to change from freezing rain to all snow by the afternoon hours on Sunday. Snowfall will likely be moderate to heavy at times, combining with winds of 20-30 mph to create near blizzard conditions. Winds may become stronger, potentially gusting to near 50 mph over some areas creating blizzard conditions and extremely hazardous weather for the state. If you are expected to travel on Sunday over these portions of the state it is expected that you take a lot of time on the roads or do not travel at all. Snow totals may reach the 8-10 inch mark over portions of eastern Iowa and just out of the state into southern Wisconsin could be seeing a foot of snow. For the latest update on expected weather, see the image link below to head to the Des Moines Winter Weather Awareness page.

Des Moines Weather Story