Winter Storm (Dec. 8-9)

The first true winter storm may end up slicing through the state of Iowa on Monday night and through Tuesday. Winter Storm Watches have been issued for several counties through both central and eastern Iowa where snowfall accumulations of 4-6 inches are currently forecasted. Other areas of the state will still likely see snowfall, where 2-4 inches is likely across western Iowa. The southeast part of the state looks to have a mix of precipitation, with some freezing rain/sleet possible before snow takes over and accumulates. Still a sensitive forecast with models being varying in location of the band of greatest snowfall, but it does seem to have a consensus in that it will be across some portion of the state of Iowa.

A few light snow showers may be across the state on Monday afternoon, but little accumulation is expected through the evening hours. By Monday night precipitation should expand across the entire state as a low pressure system in the central plains begins to wrap moisture around itself. The precip will be mainly snow for all but the southern third of the state where a rain/snow mix is possible through the nighttime hours. By Tuesday the cold air has pushed down through most of the state to allow for mainly snow. As the low moves off to the east, expect the snow to taper off in the northwest by Tuesday afternoon, and over the rest of the state by Wednesday morning. Although the snow is expected to stop, the strong winds of 20-30 mph will keep the snow blowing throughout the state to keep road conditions quite hazardous.

An update later tonight will provide a little more insight on where the strongest band of snowfall accumulation may setup, and exactly how much snow that band could create.