Winter Storm: Feb 5-6

A strong low pressure system is ejecting out of the central plains and moving towards the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes today into tomorrow. This low is brining potentially dangerous severe weather in the form of tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, and heavy snow. A 'High Risk' of severe weather was issued by the SPC this morning for much of the state of Arkansas, the severe risk also extends over much of the Mississippi Valley. North of this low pressure system, moisture is plentiful allowing for snowfall amounts to be well over winter weather warning criteria. Currently heavy snow and freezing rain are falling over northern Kansas into areas of southwest Iowa. These bands of snow should continue to move to the east/northeast this morning, beginning to move into the state of Iowa around Noon. The snow should begin to move out of the state tomorrow morning, but not before accumulating some hefty amounts of snow.

Areas southeast of a Nebraska City, NE to Prairie Du Chien, WI line are all under a Winter Storm Warning where anywhere from 6-10 inches of snow is likely. With isolated amounts in southeast Iowa nearing the foot mark or possibly exceeding it. Areas just to the northwest of that line have been put under either Snow Advisories or Snow & Blowing Snow Advisories. Those areas should see 3-5 inches of snowfall through tomorrow morning. Portions of northwest Iowa and others that are not included under any winter weather advisories/warnings may see some snowfall, however it is expected to be under 3 inches total through the morning. Winds are expected to increase through the day and especially overnight, creating blowing and drifting snow for much of the state.

To see the latest advisories/warnings for the state and the latest graphic weather story check out the Des Moines NWS Awareness page. Updates are expected later tonight with reports on snowfall and new forecasted totals.