Dallas County is under a blizzard warning from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday along Boone, Greene and Guthrie counties.
After a rainy day Saturday, much colder air is changing the rain to snow Saturday night as the storm system moves from west to east across central Iowa. The snow will be heavy at times Saturday night, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour likely from Omaha to Fort Dodge to Webster City.
Total snowfall of 6 to 10 inches likely along this axis of heaviest snow.
The NWS said there remains some uncertainty as to where the heaviest snow band will set up Saturday evening as the main storm crosses Iowa. A small shift in the track of the storm will greatly impact snow amounts and the extent of blizzard conditions over the region Saturday night.
Strong winds will accompany the heavy snow, producing blizzard conditions. Snow amounts are expected to be lighter south of this heavier axis, including the Perry area, with about 2 to 5 inches expected from Waterloo to Des Moines towards southwest Iowa.
Nevertheless, the combination of snow and very strong winds will make travel difficult Saturday night within the winter weather advisory area. The snow will end, but high winds will continue to make travel difficult on Sunday, with gusts up to 50 mph possible.
Along with Dallas County, Iowa counties under the blizzard warning include Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Boone, Guthrie, Cass, Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Crawford, Carroll, Greene and Audubon.
Along with Perry, cities under the blizzard warning include Estherville, Algona, Forest City, Lake Mills, Northwood, Manly, Emmetsburg, Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Mason City, Clear Lake, Pocahontas, Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, Fort Dodge, Denison, Carroll, Jefferson, Audubon, Exira, Hampton, Webster City, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley, Boone, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Atlantic, Waukee, Adel and Des Moines.
Travel may be difficult and potentially impossible Saturday night and Sunday. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility to near zero at times during the period, with strong winds possibly bringing down tree branches and power lines.
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 weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
ThePerryNews.com will continue to monitor forecasts and update this story as conditions evolve.
