Blizzard 2011

Here is what it is doing in Iowa.....Blizzard warning remains in effect until noon cst Wednesday. A blizzard warning remains in effect until noon cst Wednesday. Short term trends, snow will continue to increase across the area this afternoon. Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Snowfall rates will increase to one half to one inch per hour by mid to late afternoon. Storm total snow accumulations, new snowfall accumulations this afternoon and overnight will range from 3 to 7 inches on the northwest side of the warning to 13 to 18 inches over the far southeast. Winds/visibility, northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts are expected this afternoon into Wednesday morning. Gusts will approach 50 mph late this afternoon and into the evening. Visibilities will drop to near zero. Impacts, travel will be dangerous and life threatening due to dramatically reduced visibilities and bitter cold wind chills that will develop overnight. Travel will be nearly impossible by late this afternoon and tonight. If you become stranded, expect to spend the entire night in your vehicle as rescuers likely will not be able to reach you. Therefore, if you must travel, do it soon! do not endanger yours and others lives! Precautionary/preparedness actions, A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you absolutely must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.