Winter Storm Warning in effect from noon today to 6 am CST Saturday...
Today
Rain through the day. Freezing rain early in the afternoon...then snow late in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. A light glazing expected. High in the mid 30s. Temperature steady or slowly falling in the afternoon. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
Sleet...snow...rain and freezing rain through midnight... then snow after midnight. Breezy. Snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. Ice accumulation up to one tenth of an inch. Low around 30. Northeast wind 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
Christmas Day
Snow...breezy. Snow accumulation of 2 to 3 inches. High around 30. Temperature steady or slowly falling in the afternoon. North wind around 15 mph shifting to the east in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Friday Night
Snow likely. Breezy...colder. Light snow accumulations possible. Low 15 to 20. Southeast wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.
Saturday
Snow likely. Light snow accumulations possible. High in the lower 20s. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.
... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 am CST Saturday...
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 am CST Saturday.
* Short term trends... areas of dense fog and light drizzle or rain continue across the area this morning. Poor visibility coupled with potential slick spots where pavement temperatures are near freezing may result in occasional slippery and slow travel.
* Long term trends... the precipitation is expected to transition back to a wintry mix late morning to early afternoon today... then eventually to all snow by late this afternoon. Expect periods of moderate to heavy snow tonight and Friday.
* Storm total snow accumulations... eight to twelve inches of snow is expected by Saturday. Localized higher amounts are possible.
* Winds and visibility... expect winds to become northwest at 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts tonight through Friday. The winds combined with the falling snow will result in near whiteout conditions at times.
* Impacts... travel may become nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow tonight into Friday.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow and blowing 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.
Local Storm Report
12/23/2009 0720 PM
3 miles se of Marshalltown , Marshall County.
Freezing rain e0.10 inch, reported by trained spotter.
Ice accumulating on trees. Trees and tree limbs down. Power is out in some areas. Ice acrrual is 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch thick.
12/23/2009 0539 PM
Marshalltown, Marshall County.
Freezing rain e0.00 inch, reported by law enforcement.