Winter Storm (Jan. 13-14) Update #1

A Winter Weather Advisory has been expanded to the southwest to include more counties in the state of Iowa. This has been done as forecast models have came together on a solution that brings the low pressure system south out of the Dakotas, and then east/southeast over the southern third of the state. This path is favorable for snowfall to occur across much of the state, with accumulations likely in the 2-5 inch range for areas north of a Sioux City to Des Moines to Ottumwa line. While this snow should begin to occur this evening over much of the state and continue through the overnight hours, winds after the event may still pose a blowing snow threat for parts of the state.

While most of the state is looking at a general 2-5 inches of snowfall, there is hints at a band of snowfall that may lead to as much as 7 inches of snowfall across parts of the state. The low pressure system is already conducive to banding of snowfall as shown by current radar over the Dakotas, and it is expected that this type of situation shall continue into the evening and overnight over Iowa. Currently the Des Moines NWS office believes that this band may be most likely along a line from Algona to Washington line. Additional updates tonight may discuss this heavy snow possibility...