AMES, Iowa – March 4, 2013; 5 a.m. – A severe winter storm began overnight in extreme northern Iowa, southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The storm is expected to extend to the northhern half of the state by late Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for north central and northeast Iowa in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Roads in north central Iowa are currently listed at completely covered with snow. Slick conditions may exisit in some areas. Use caution when driving, especially on bridges and overpasses.
The forecast for later today calls for periods of light snow to cross northern Iowa before another round of moderate snow develops tonight and continues into Tuesday. The long duration snowfall could bring total amounts of 6 to 10 inches of snow across portions of northeast Iowa.
Portions of central and southern Iowa will see a wintry mix of precipitation tonight with a chance for light freezing rain or snow through Monday morning with a light glazing possible. Roadways in the area may become icy.
Any precipitation is then expected to change over to light rain Monday afternoon before a band of light snow moves through Monday night into Tuesday. At this time portions of central Iowa may see around 2 to 4 inches of snow through Tuesday, while amounts taper off toward a trace to an inch closer to the Iowa/Missouri border.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is advising travelers to take necessary preparations for this event, including making sure a winter survival kit or emergency supplies are stowed in their vehicles with sufficient resources for all passengers. A mobile phone should also be carried in your vehicle for emergency use only. Don’t talk, take photos/video or text while driving.
