a BLIZZARD WARNING and a WINTER STORM WATCH are in effect for portions of north Iowa and southern Minnesota Thursday morning into Friday morning. Significant travel impacts from blowing snow and icy roads.

A powerful cold front moves through the area Thursday morning and afternoon bringing strong northwest winds, falling temperatures, wintry precipitation. Significant impacts to travel conditions are likely through the rest of day into Thursday night due to a variety of contributing factors.

Scattered precipitation will initially start as rain or drizzle tonight into Thursday morning before the front quickly crosses the area from west to east. Any wet or slushy roads may flash freeze and quickly become icy as temperatures fall. Strong northwest winds gusting above 45 mph will create widespread blowing snow and potential blizzard conditions at times, especially in rural areas of north central into central Iowa.

Snowfall totals are not expected to be heavy, but even light amounts may be enough to worsen impacts. Wind chills fall below zero by Thursday evening into Thursday night, which could serve as another hazard should motorists become stranded.

Those with travel plans are highly encouraged to closely monitor for changing weather conditions and consider alternate plans if at all possible. Late afternoon and evening commuters should note that conditions may be dramatically worse compared to the morning hours.

…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY FOR CERRO GORDO, WORTH, WINNEBAGO, HANCOCK, KOSSUTH AND WRIGHT COUNTIES….

Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY FOR FRANKLIN AND BUTLER COUNTIES…

Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. 

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR FLOYD, MITCHELL AND MOWER MN…

Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR FARIBAULT COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA…

Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations around 3 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

For more click on the the weather alerts below!