DES MOINES, Iowa—The National Weather Service office in Des Moines has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will affect the local area Thursday evening to Friday evening. This event is expected to bring several inches of snow, strong winds and very cold temperatures.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Des Moines IA 312 PM CST Wed Jan 10 2024 ...Accumulating Snowfall with Gusty Winds Thursday night through Friday... .A multi-faceted winter storm will pass through the state starting Thursday night and lasting through Friday. Snowfall amounts from 5 to 10 inches are expected over much of central Iowa along with winds gusting over 40 mph Friday. The combination of gusty winds, snow on the ground from the previous system, and new, fluffy snow falling Thursday night into Friday will lead to a significant blowing snow threat, with near- whiteout conditions and drifting snow possible. Therefore, hazardous travel conditions are expected through much of the state on Friday, including both the morning and evening commutes. Temperatures will also be in the single digits on Friday, with wind chills near and below zero, adding an extra layer of risk to travel on Friday. ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches. Wind gusts over 40 mph causing significant blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...All of Central Iowa. * WHEN...From Thursday evening through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could greatly impact the morning and evening commute. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. (contributed information, NWS)
