DES MOINES, Iowa—The National Weather Service office in Des Moines has issued a Winter Storm Warning affecting Iowa.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
339 AM CST Wed Dec 21 2022

...Significant Winter Storm with Possible Blizzard Conditions and
Extreme Cold over the Next Few Days...

A powerful winter storm will impact the region later today and
last into Friday night. A significant multifaceted event is
expected, including the potential for concurrent blizzard
conditions and extreme cold. Travel could be dangerous to near
impossible at times Thursday and Friday. Extreme cold is expected
as well with wind chills falling to 20 to 40 below zero from late
Thursday through the end of the week.

Those with holiday travel planned later today through Friday night
are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to forecast updates
and road conditions, and prepare accordingly if travel is a must.
Altering travel plans, if possible, is strongly encouraged.


...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM
CST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow will begin midday into the afternoon today and
  continue intermittently through early Thursday. Winds will also
  increase Thursday and continue into Friday night when blizzard
  conditions are possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5
  inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts of 40
  to 50 mph or greater may occur late Thursday through Friday.
  Extreme cold and wind chills of 20 to 40 below will be common.

* WHERE...North-central and western Iowa.

* WHEN...From noon today through 6 AM CST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery and snow covered roads. Areas of
  blowing snow and possible blizzard conditions will significantly
  reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
  The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could
  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...It needs to be emphasized that the
  concurrence of blowing snow, possible blizzard conditions, and
  extreme cold will be very hazardous and possibly life
  threatening if stranded outside.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app,
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

(contributed information, NWS)