Winter Returns?

Many forecasters as well as I have been following the major storm system that is moving onto the plains this evening, and will track northeastward as we enter the end of the week and into the weekend. This storm system at the beginning of the week was centered or just south of Iowa, leaving much of the state under several inches and even feet of snow! Now as the system gets closer and we have a slightly better idea as to the track it appears that the heaviest snow may fall out into the southern plains of KS/OK/TX over the next 48 hours. Blizzard watches and other advisories are being issued for those areas, where over a foot of snow in areas of TX/OK/KS are appearing likely, not to mention the heavy snows off of the Rockies in CO! The low pressure system is still expected to move northeast once across Kansas/Oklahoma, and portions of southeast Iowa are still in-line to receive some significant snowfall amounts.

Precipitation across much of the southeast half of the state is possible, with a rain/snow mix being the going forecast. However, as the low continues to move northeast the cold air behind the low will quickly rush in and be able to turn the precipitation into snow. By that time it appears that the precipitation will be confined to an area that is southeast of a Lamoni to Oskaloosa to Dubuque line. Areas southeast of this line appear to be looking at 2-5 inches of snowfall, with the possibility of some isolated higher amounts.

Unfortunately, a very busy week at hand will have me deferring you to the local forecasters and National Weather Service for updates on this storm as it nears. For now it does appear that Friday and Saturday may be quite snowy for parts of southeast and eastern Iowa!

And if you're disappointed that you missed out on this one, it appears that we may have the potential for two more strong storms that may bring heavy rain or snow to parts of the state next week! Updates on those likely coming on Sunday!