Snowy scene December 22nd 2013

The area is shoveling out from low end winter storm which hit the region starting late last night in the form of sleet then changing for snow, which fell heavy at times. For the most part the snow started after most people fell alseep and was done by the time most people woke up. The storm blanketed the region with 4-7″ of fresh snow, with the most being reported in the south. The lest amounts came from areas of the north and west towards Waterloo and Blackhawk County. However this storm produced a bit less then was forecast because severe thunderstorms that were on the Southeast side of the storm did rob some of the moisture available for the snowstorm, thus keeping totals down some. There was also sleet which occurred over our area which also kept totals down. Winds were not as much of an issues as forecasted either with gusts being reported generally around 20MPH or less and As a whole, the snowstorm side did turn out a little on the lower end then was forecasted. By the mid morning hours, most of the snow was done and travel resumed. Below is a list of reported snowfall totals across the area. Now for tonight and Monday cold air will funnel into the our area from the Northwest and highs will only be in the single digits tomorrow with wind chills around the -20.F zero mark. Expect that it will warm on the days leading to Christmas with maybe some light snow Christmas eve, then another cool down after Christmas.

 Willamsburg 8.0″
Mount Vernon 6.75″
Brighton 6.70″
2 miles WSW Iowa City 6.70″
Solon 6.50″
Atkins 6.10″
North Liberty 6.10″
Monticello 6.0″
Bertram 6.0″
Independence 6.0″ 
Washington 6.0″
Anamosa 5.80″
Springville 5.70″
Swisher 5.70″
Vinton 5.50″
Marengo 5.50″
Cedar Rapids 5.50″
5 miles NW Iowa City 5.50″
Hiawatha 5.25″
Iowa City 5.0″
Jesup 5.0″
Cedar Hills 4.80″
Central City 4.50″
Waterloo 3.90″