Very Dangerous Winter Storm Expected Tonight into Friday Night…
Winter Storm (file photo)
Life-threatening Wind Chills Expected Saturday Night into Early
Next Week
A multi-faceted severe winter storm is set to affect Iowa tonight into Friday evening. This dangerous storm starts this evening with snow spreading into the state and persisting into Friday with heavy accumulations. Winds then increase Friday morning, with life-threatening blizzard conditions expected into Friday afternoon and Friday night.
WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST FRIDAY…
BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY…
WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches and some minor glazing across far southern Iowa. For the Blizzard Warning, life-threatening conditions are expected. Northwest winds are forecast to gust up to 45 mph with frequent visibilities of one-quarter mile or less. For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind will occur with values as low as 30 to 45 below zero.
* WHERE…Portions of Central Iowa.
* WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Friday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 10 AM Friday to 6 AM CST Saturday. For the Wind Chill Watch, from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning.
* IMPACTS…Travel will become very difficult by Friday morning and may be impossible in some rural areas on Friday afternoon and Friday night. 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.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Storms of this magnitude are fairly rare, recurring around once or twice per decade. Travel is not recommended except if absolutely necessary, especially by Friday afternoon into the evening.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
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.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
