Ellsworth, Iowa

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 9 PM CST this
evening...
... Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 9 PM this evening to
6 PM CST Wednesday...

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 9 PM CST this
evening. A Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 9 PM this
evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* Short term trends: moderate to heavy snowfall with rates of 1 to
2 inches per hour can be expected through midnight. At least an
additional 3 to 7 inches of new snow is expected by midnight
across the area... with heaviest totals southeast of a line from
Denison to Mason City. Winds will also be increasing out of the
northeast gusting to 30 to 35 mph and creating near blizzard
conditions through 9 PM. A mix of sleet... snow and freezing rain
across the far southeast portions of the warning area near
Ottumwa will transition back to all snow by 9 PM.

* Storm total accumulations: snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches
are anticipated for much of central Iowa. The best threat for
receiving over a foot of snow is generally southeast of a line
from Denison to Algona and northwest of a line from Bedford to
Grinnell. Isolated amounts up to 18 inches are possible in this
corridor.

* Winds/visibility: east to northeast winds at 15 to 30 mph are
expected through the evening hours before shifting north to
northwest and increasing after 9 PM. Wind speeds of 25 to 35
mph... with gusts greater than 50 mph are expected overnight into
Wednesday... producing visibility less than one quarter of a mile
with white out conditions at times.

* Impacts: significant travel concerns are expected with this
dangerous winter storm. In addition to the heavy snow
accumulating on roadways... very strong north to northwest winds
will cause significant blowing and drifting of snow and whiteout
conditions late tonight into Wednesday... leading to the
potential for major travel impacts and Road closures. Snow
drifts of 8 to 15 feet are possible by Wednesday. The potential
for power outages exist as well with the very strong winds. Wind
chill readings on Wednesday will range from 10 to 20 below zero.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions... making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel... have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
stranded... stay with your vehicle.

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means
severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring.
Significant amounts of snow and blowing snow are forecast that
will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you
must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency.