(Des Moines) The multi-faceted winter storm will continue to affect the state of Iowa this morning into Saturday.
The National Weather Service says this dangerous storm will bring snow throughout the state today, with additional accumulations of 4 to 8 inches forecasted by late this afternoon. Winds will also increase this morning, with life-threatening blizzard conditions expected by this afternoon into early Saturday.
A Blizzard Warning runs from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. Forecasters say life-threatening conditions are expected, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Visibilities below one-quarter of a mile will be common with whiteout conditions.
Kristy Carter with the National Weather Service in Des Moines says visibility is greatly reduced this morning with the high winds across the region.
Carter says the heavy snowfall will taper off tonight. However, she says additional light snow could linger into Saturday.
Dangerous temperatures will follow into the weekend through early next week, with wind chill values plummeting to 30-to-45 degrees below zero.
Travel will be challenging this morning and impossible in some rural areas this afternoon and tonight. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility with whiteout conditions. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. These temperatures and wind chills can be life-threatening for stranded motorists.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
(Photo courtesy of DOT Snowplow on Highway 6 between Oakland and Atlantic)
