(Spirit Lake)– A winter storm watch previously issued for most of northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota was upgraded this (Mon.) afternoon to a winter storm WARNING. It will be in effect from 3:00 pm Tuesday until 6:00 am Wednesday.
The National Weather Service says accumulations of 6 to 9 inches of snowfall will be likely along with wind that could gust as high as 40 mph. Forecasters say that will likely result in very poor visibility and even near blizzard conditions at times.
While most of the snow will be out of the area by mid morning Wednesday, the wind will continue to be a factor with blowing and drifting snow likely continuing through the day.
Forecasters say a second and perhaps even more powerful winter storm will likely impact the region beginning Thanksgiving Day and continuing all the way through the upcoming weekend with blizzard or near blizzard conditions again possible. They say there’s still some question on the trajectory and exact impacts of that system.
Those with travel plans through the rest of the week and into the upcoming weekend should keep up to date with future forecasts and the latest road conditions.
