Weather Alert in Iowa

Recent Locations: Lake Arthur, NM   South Hutchinson, KS   Tama, IA  
Current Alerts for Tama, IA: High Wind Watch Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm Watch issued March 14 at 6:11AM CDT until March 16 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

AREAS AFFECTED: Mitchell; Howard; Winneshiek; Allamakee; Crawford; Richland

DESCRIPTION: ...MAJOR WINTER STORM TONIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING... .A prolonged, high-impact winter storm affects the region tonight through Monday morning. Highest snow totals in excess of 12 to 18 inches are favored north of Interstate 90 with some locales north of Highway 10 approaching 24 inches. Along Interstate 90, a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet makes it difficult to pin down exact snow and ice amounts, but impacts do warrant a Winter Storm Warning. Across northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, snow does not look to arrive until Sunday afternoon, so the Winter Storm Watch is maintained for now. Increasing winds Sunday afternoon and night should result in whiteout conditions for exposed locales and an upgrade to a Blizzard Warning is likely once the exact threat area is determined. Regardless of exact snow amounts, expect major travel impacts regionwide with some roads possibly impassable, especially in wind-prone areas. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory tonight into early Sunday afternoon, mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 4 and 9 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph leading to potential blizzard conditions. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 1 AM to 1 PM CDT Sunday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Iowa, visit 511ia.org for road conditions. In Wisconsin, visit 511wi.gov for road conditions. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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Weather Topic: What is Snow?

Home - Education - Precipitation - Snow

Snow Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds

Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake, has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure. Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup of snow on the ground.

On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.

Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds

Weather Topic: What are Stratus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratus Clouds

Stratus Clouds Next Topic: Wall Clouds

Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the distinguishing features of most clouds.

Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud. The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation, such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form of a stratus cloud.

Next Topic: Wall Clouds

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