Winter Storm: Feb. 25 Update #1

Forecasts are continuing to converge onto a solution for tomorrows' winter storm and the NWS offices have changed the Winter Storm Watches to different advisories and warnings. A very complex forecast still with any slight changes not only in surface temperatures, but temperatures just above the surface changing the type of precipitation received. Once again all modes of winter precipitation are forecast across some part of the state...

Areas of southeast Iowa currently under No Advisory/Warning are expecting mainly rain during the morning and afternoon hours, with a slight chance of a sleet/snow mix towards the evening hours for areas nearest to the advisories.

Those currently under a Winter Weather Advisory, north of a line from Denison to Ames to Waterloo and to LaCrosse, WI. Some rain may be possible early in the south, otherwise a mixture of freezing rain and sleet likely through the morning and early afternoon. Total ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch possible, with 1-3 inches of snow/sleet also possible.

Parts of north-central Iowa are under a Winter Storm Warning, where freezing rain is likely to begin during the morning hours. By mid-afternoon this freezing rain will begin to turn to sleet and finally all snow. Total accumulations include one tenth to a quarter of an inch of ice; and 2-4 inches of sleet/snow.

Just north of the state, precipitation should fall as snow throughout the event leading to significant snow accumulations. A total of 4-8 inches is likely throughout southern Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, and into Wisconsin during the overnight tomorrow. Additional storm updates are possible tomorrow to update any temperature changes, and their effect on precipitation type.