Noelle Alviz-GranseeDes Moines Register
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The previous warmer weekend was in fact too good to be true. The National Weather Service released a hazardous weather outlook for central Iowa warning people to be prepared for wintry weather on Thursday.
Precipitation will spread across the area on Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service's report. A mixture of mostly rain may fall close to the Missouri border while moderate snow accumulation is expected on Thursday evening near the Highway 30 corridor.
Snow accumulation could change, depending on how low the temperature gets, the NWS said.
It's part of a winter storm that's expected to spread across the northern Plains from North Dakota to Michigan. Minneapolis could see several inches of accumulating snow Thursday and Friday.
Iowa 511 Road Conditions: Most western, central Iowa roads at least partially covered
As of 9:55 a.m. Thursday, Iowa 511 was reporting many roads in central and western Iowa were at least partially covered with snow. Interstate 80 west of Des Moines was reported as completely covered, as were several highways in western Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has more than 200 active plows across the state.
Higher ground temperatures may slow the deterioration of road conditions, but the NWS warned that surfaces could be overcome during heavy periods of snow. Expect to encounter slick and slushy conditions at times during the day Thursday.
More:How to check Iowa road conditions, DOT cameras amid winter storms
Forecast for Des Moines
Snow, possibly mixed with rain, is expected to fall before becoming all rain after 5 p.m. The forecast high temperature is 36 degrees with wind gusts as high as 18 mph. New snow accumulation is estimated to be 1 to 3 inches.
A wintry mix will continue into Thursday night after 8 p.m. before gradually ending. The low is expected to be around 28 degrees, with wind gusts as high as 18 mph. Little to no additional snow is expected.
Cities in the Des Moines metro are issuing parking bans and snow ordinances ahead of the storm. Check your city's social media for more information.
Forecast for Ames
In addition to the hazardous weather outlook, Ames is under a winter weather advisory that's in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 12 a.m. Friday. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulation from 4 to 6 inches and wind gusts as high as 30 mph.
A rain and snow is likely before 4 p.m. Precipitation is expected to switch to snow until 4 p.m. before turning back into a wintry mix. The high temperature is forecast to be near 34 degrees, with wind gusts as high as 20 mph.
Less than one inch is possible after 8 p.m. The low temperature is expected to be around 26 degrees with wind gusts between 6 to 10 mph.
The city of Ames has issued a snow ordinance that takes effect at 8 a.m. Thursday. Cars must be removed off snow routes by then. Ames expects the snow ordinance will remain in effect until at least noon Friday, but will lift once streets are plowed curb-to-curb and it has stopped snowing.
Forecast for Iowa City
In addition to the hazardous weather outlook, Iowa City is under a winter weather advisory that's in effect from 9 a.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday. Snow is possible, with total accumulation from 1 to 3 inches and slippery road conditions.
Thursday is forecast to have a high of 37 degrees. A snow and rain mix will become all rain after 4 p.m. Driving in the area could be very difficult during the Thursday evening commute.
Rest of Iowa
Parts of northern and central Iowa were under a winter storm warning as of 7:23 a.m. Thursday, with the heaviest snowfall expected to reach between 4 and 8 inches east of I-35 and north of I-80, according to NWS. The warning is expected to stay in effect until 3 a.m. Friday.
While areas south and west of the area are predicted to have less snowfall, NWS said rates are still "highly uncertain" due to near-freezing temperatures. Regardless, NWS recommends drivers prepare for "slick and slushy travel conditions," especially during their Thursday evening commute.
Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow heron Twitter @NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com.
