The National Weather Service in Johnston has issued a winter storm warning for Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight, with 4 to 9 inches of blowing snow possible for the Perry area.
The impacts of the moderate to heavy snow over portions of southern Iowa will be felt New Year’s Day, the NWS said. The combination of strong north winds and a dry, more powdery snow will cause blowing and drifting snow and might cause significant travel problems in the areas affected.
Snow accumulations of nearly 6 inches are forecast along U.S. Interstate 80 and up to 9 inches south of U.S. Interstate 80. Accumulations of 4 to 5 inches are predicted expected north of Interstate 80.
Winds gusting as high as 35 mph are also possible.
Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and result in accidents. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Travelers should closely monitor later forecasts and alter or cancel travel plans as needed. Some uncertainty remains with the track of this storm, and forecast adjustments might still occur in the next 24 to 36 hours. If you must travel, keep a winter travel safety kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Along with Dallas County, other Iowa counties in the winter storm watch are Story, Marshall, Tama, Guthrie, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose and Davis.
Along with Perry, cities in the winter storm watch include Ames, Marshalltown, Tama, Toledo, Traer, Dysart, Gladbrook, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Waukee, Adel, Des Moines, Newton, Grinnell, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, Adair, Fontanelle, Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Corning, Creston, Osceola, Chariton, Albia, Ottumwa, Bedford, Lenox, New Market, Mount Ayr, Lamoni, Leon, Corydon, Seymour, Allerton, Humeston, Centerville and Bloomfield.
ThePerryNews.com will update this weather story as forecasts evolve.
