(Des Moines) A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. this morning until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday for all of southwest and west-central Iowa.
This major winter storm will impact the region today and tonight, with some snow possibly lingering through mid-day Tuesday. Snow will lift into far southern Iowa early this morning and then will expand north into central Iowa during the day. Very heavy snowfall rates near 2 inches per hour are likely this afternoon and evening, leading to heavy accumulations over a short period of time. Increasing northeast winds gusting over 30 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow. Some uncertainty of snowfall amounts on the north edge of the snow band, where much fewer snow totals are possible over a short distance.
Forecasters predict total snow amounts of 6-13 inches with winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour. Near blizzard white-out conditions are possible.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
