The storm is still on track to move through the state later tonight into Thursday. Snowfall amounts are still on target, but could be a bit higher than our estimate we made yesterday. There is still a question of the rain to snow switchover occurring in the eastern and southeastern counties of the state. Some of the models want to hold off changing the precipitation to all snow until the late evening hours tonight. This would reduce the amount of snow mainly along the Mississippi River and into Illinois.

In any case, a swath of 6-12″+ of snow is likely across a good portion of the state from southwestern Iowa to the northeastern corner of the state. some isolated heavier totals are possible. Winds will pick up later tonight into Thursday reaching sustained winds of 25-40mph with gusts approaching or exceeding 50mph. This will bring blizzard conditions to a large part of the state, thus the blizzard warning is in effect. There are likely going to be numerous road closures with this system and tow bans are likely going to be issued. Travel is HIGHLY discouraged later tonight into Thursday for the entire state (no matter how much snow you are or going to get). Another update will be posted later this afternoon with any possible changes that may arise at that time.