First Winter Storm of '09

Although it isn't much I think we can count it as the first winter storm of the 2009 year for Iowa with Winter Weather Advisories posted for the northern half of the state. This winter storm comes with a mixture of precipitation types for the state, with areas south of I-80 looking at only light rain today and areas to the north various winter precipitation. For the most part the northern half will be looking at light freezing drizzle or some light flurries if it lingers tonight. The light drizzle or light rain may be enough to produce a few hundredths of an inch of ice accumulations which may create some slick conditions on untreated roads. Areas to the northwest are in an area where snow may mix into the forecast, but little accumulation is expected. Areas of southern Minnesota and South Dakota will be receiving the heaviest band of snowfall with 2-6 inches being forecasted for parts of the states respectively. Expect the precipitation to begin this afternoon and end by midnight tonight as the low pressure system responsible continues to move eastward out of the plains.

Beyond this system we'll see the cold air funnel back down into the plains states with high temperatures on Sunday only in the 20s to teens across the state. Windy conditions will also prevail into early next week as temperatures moderate into the 20s and 30s across the state. The next chance of snowfall looks to come Tuesday night, although nothing significant is expected.