30 Jan 2011 Extended Forecast

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Forecast Models have just all came into agreement - and ALL are trending toward Major Snows from just South and East of Des Moines - covering the entire area South of I-80 and East of I-35......10 Inches of Snow in Pow Cty may be conservative.......


The brunt of snow will fall Tuesday/Tuesday Nite.  Best Snowfall Estimates right now:  Des Moines 7-9 inches - Grinnell 7-9 inches - Montezuma 8-10 Inches - Cedar Rapids 8-10 inches - Sigourney 10-12 inches - Ottumwa 12+ inches.  Temperatures will be much colder into next week along with brisk north winds.

Today thru Wed 30th thru Feb 2nd - Flurries thru the day - Then Lt Snow beginning Late Tonite - Lt Snow/Blowing Snow Later Monday thru early Wed (10 Inches) - Dry/Breezy by midday Wed - Temps Low 20's dropping to 5-10 by Wed.

Pow County Snowfall Timing (Actual New Snow on the Ground):
By Noon Monday - 1 Inch.
By Mid-Nite Monday - 2.5 Inches/Blowing/Drifting.
By Noon Tues - 4 Inches/Blowing/Drifting.
By Overnite Tues - 10+ Inches/Blowing/Drifting.
The Heaviest Snow will fall from 1pm Tues afternoon thru 1am Wed Morning with Blowing/Drifting creating Blizzard Like conditions..........

Thurs thru Sat 3rd thru 5th - Dry Thurs - Lt Snow Fri/Sat.

Sun thru Thurs 6th thru 10th - Lt Snow Sun/Mon (This may be our next Storm) - Otherwise Dry.

Fri thru Sun - 11th thru 13th - Dry Fri/Sat - Snow Sun.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Heavy Snow
Heavy snow falls at rates of 6 inches in a 12 hour period, or 8 inches in 24 hours.  Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. Accumulations of snow can collapse roofs and knock down trees and power lines.  In rural areas homes and farms may be isolated for days, and unprotected livestock may be lost. The cost of snow removal, repairing damage, and loss of business can have a tremendous impact on cities and towns.

Moderate Snow The criteria varies somewhat from location to location, but in general moderate accumulations are 3-6 inches over a 12 hour period.

BlizzardsSome winter storms are accompanied by strong winds, creating blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow, severe drifting, and dangerous wind chills. Strong winds with these Intense storms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles and power lines. They are rare, but sometimes a ground blizzard can strike the region. The sun may be shining, but strong winds gusting in excess of 40 mph can pick loose, dry snow off the ground. This blowing snow can reduce visibilities to only a few feet in areas where there are no trees or buildings. If you are traveling, you may get the sensation of driving into a ball of cotton. Serious vehicle accidents can result with injuries and deaths.

Extreme Cold
Extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and can become life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes or buildings that are poorly insulated or without heat.

Ice Storms
Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while utility companies work to repair the extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

Dense Fog
Another hazard is dense fog. A typical winter will usually feature a half-dozen cases in which dense fog reduces visibilities to less than 1/4 mile, or even down to near zero. In the worst case, there can be a multiple vehicle accident consisting of 15 to 30 vehicles. You literally may not see the vehicle in front of you until it is too late.

Remember: the key to surviving a winter storm is to BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME.