The state is still on track to see some active weather with some rain, sleet and some snow with blizzard conditions possible across the central and northeastern counties of the state. NWS has issued a plethora of advisories, watches and warnings across the state as seen in the image above. These will be in effect for varying times through early Friday morning. The Flood watch in Des Moines, Lee and Scott Counties will be for Thursday only.

Snowfall amounts as seen in the image above reflect our current thinking with the heaviest across the northern counties of the state with 6-9″ possible there. This would include places like Mason City, Waterloo and Decorah. Around that is a 4-6″ swath that extends southward and in either direction east and west with less amounts as you head west and southeast. Winds will begin picking up during the day on Thursday with sustained winds over 30mph likely and gusts exceeding 45-50mph at times. This will create near white-out conditions especially in rural areas and make for hazardous if not impossible driving in the northern and central counties of the state. If you do not need to be out Thursday afternoon and evening, it would be best for you to stay at home. Conditions will improve by Friday in many areas.

In the southeastern counties, the big story could be some moderate to possible heavy rain. With a snow pack still on the ground in these areas this could add up to some possible urban and small stream flooding, especially in areas where the drains are covered up by snow. It would be of some help that if you have a drain nearby that is blocked to clear it if possible to let the rainwater drain out so it doesn’t cause street flooding across the area.

It’s also of note that this snow will be a heavy wet snow again so this will make shoveling difficult. Stay tuned to the latest information on the blog, the facebook page and on the twitter feed for any updated information.