The National Weather Service (NWS) in Des Moines has issued a winter weather advisory for portions of south central, central and northeast Iowa, including Perry and all of Dallas County. The advisory will be in effect Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mixed precipitation is forecast, changing to all snow Thursday morning. Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions, including a very difficult morning commute on Thursday, the NWS said. A light glaze of ice is expected before the transition to all snow.
Quickly dropping temperatures will lead to rapid freezing on roads and highways. Visibility will be significantly reduced due to falling and blowing snow.
Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, the NWS advisory said, with localized amounts up to 4 inches, especially west of U.S. Interstate 35.
Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow. Cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero are also expected by midday Thursday.
Perry-area cities falling under the winter weather advisory include Adel, Booneville, Bouton, Dallas Center, Dawson, De Soto, Dexter, Granger, Linden, Minburn, Redfield, Van Meter, Waukee and Woodward.
In Greene County and counties to the northwest, a winter storm warning is in effect from 3 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday. The strong winter storm system is forecast to bring snow and potent winds to the area late tonight into Thursday.
A wintry mix of precipitation is anticipated to quickly transition to snow late Wednesday night and continue to transition Thursday morning. The combination of accumulating snowfall and the strong winds may produce poor visibility and difficult travel conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
ThePerryNews.com will update this weather story as information becomes available.
