The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will go into effect at 9am Wednesday and last until 9pm Wednesday evening for Adair, Appanoose, Audubon, Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Clarke, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Pocahontas, Polk, Poweshiek, Sac, Story, Tama, Wapello, Warren, Wayne and Webster counties.

Snow will begin in the western counties of the state during the morning hours and sweep across the state during the day. Snowfall amounts of 4-7″ are possible in the watch area with lighter amounts either side of that. As we mentioned in the IWR this morning, the amounts in southwestern Iowa may be lighter due to some rain snow mix while the northeastern counties will have the effects of some drier air that will keep snow totals lower in those areas. More watches, advisories and warnings could be issued later on this afternoon and tonight for more counties in the state as this storm draws closer.

This storm will cause some travel issues especially Wednesday into Wednesday night so be aware of it if you are going to be out at that time. Cold air will return for later in the week and any new snow will lead to sub-zero temperatures once again Thursday and Friday night.