Winter Storm Warning Issued For Parts of Iowa Wednesday Ahead of Heavy Snow

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories from Wednesday into Thursday morning ahead of the next weather system that looks to bring moderate to heavy snowfall. This storm coming just a couple of days after a rare January tornado touched down in eastern Iowa.

Snowfall Timing

A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will begin mid-morning Wednesday across southwest Iowa. This wintry mix will spread northward across much of southern and central Iowa by Wednesday afternoon. Precipitation will be all snow across northern Iowa, beginning after noon on Wednesday. The highest snowfall rates may peak at 1 to 2 inches per hour at times during the late afternoon and evening hours Wednesday, mainly across central and northern Iowa. Snow will continue overnight Wednesday and will taper off by late morning Thursday.

How much snow is expected in Iowa?

Storm total snow amounts of 5 to 10 inches are likely within the winter storm warning area, with lesser amounts within the winter weather advisory area. These areas could receive 2 to 5 inches of snowfall, in addition to ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch. Some minor blowing snow may occur with wind gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range, but it is not expected to be a significant impact with this event.

Plan on slippery road conditions beginning late morning Wednesday through Thursday morning. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute on Wednesday and morning commute on Thursday. Be sure to check back for the latest Iowa winter weather updates here on our website and on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Track the weather wherever you go with our free weather app. The ISCN Weather app can be downloaded to your Apple and Android device!