Good afternoon everyone! A strong clipper system working across the Northern Plains is beginning to lift into the far northern portions of IA as of 4:10pm CST. Current indications point towards this light snowfall not reaching the ground as of yet, but with time we’ll gradually saturate the lower levels of the atmosphere and allow the snows to reach the surface.
Winter Weather Advisories have been hoisted by the National Weather Service across northeastern IA and the farthest west row of counties in NE due to the incoming snows. In general, the advisories in northeastern IA run through 7am CST Saturday morning while continuing snow chances across the farthest west portions of NE will allow these advisories to run through Saturday evening.
Simulated radar through 6am CST Saturday: The disturbance bringing accumulating snows across the Northern Plains gradually drops southeastward through the evening hours. Snows will begin across the far northern portions of IA within the next couple of hours with the snows working through the remainder of northern and eastern IA through the course of the night into Saturday morning. Locations as far south as Des Moines and Mt. Pleasant can also work in these snow showers, though these areas may start with rain initially. Further west, light rains drop southward into the NE Panhandle before additional cold air works in tonight and allows these light rains to transition to snow. Light snow showers are possible across north-central/northeastern NE tonight into Saturday morning.
Here is our latest thinking regarding snowfall totals through noon Saturday CST. The heaviest snows fall in northern/eastern IA fall from ~10pm-7am CST. A band of 3-5″ of snow is likely from Mason City to Decorah with lighter amounts expected the further south you progress. Areas such as Des Moines will be right on the line, so any deviations in track can lead to snowfall amounts ranging anywhere from 0.5-2″ of snow (depending on actual track). Another pocket of 1-3″ of snow is likely in the NE Panhandle. Definitely be prepared for slick spots through Saturday morning as these snows progress through the region.
Simulated radar from 6am CST Saturday through 6am CST Sunday: The snows gradually work out of eastern IA Saturday morning while areas of snow continue in the NE panhandle. Additional light snows are likely to develop west to east and further south across southern NE and far southern IA Saturday afternoon/evening. This narrow band of snow will slowly work southward Saturday evening with the snows gradually losing coverage, weakening and exiting into late Saturday night. Also during the day Saturday, winds will gust upwards of 25-30mph, likely resulting in reduced visibilities and some blowing snow.
With these additional light snow chances further south Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, snow accumulations are expected (though will remain minor). In general, many areas across western/southern NE and far southern IA observe 1″ of snow or less. A couple areas in the blue shadings can receive 1-3″ of snow, though this should stay confined to southwestern NE and just south of the IA/MO border.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great evening!