Spring snowstorm expected this weekend

Press Report

A late-season winter storm is on track to bring snow to northern and eastern Iowa this weekend, and it will be heavy in some places, including possibly the Charles City area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports a winter storm watch has been issued from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow is possible, with total snow accumulations of 4 to locally 8 inches of wet snow possible, along with brisk winds and a light glaze of ice.

The storm is expected to impact portions of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and far southwest Wisconsin. The Charles City area is currently right in the middle of the expected storm’s track, with 6 to 8 inches of snow possible here.

The storm is also expected to bring rain, freezing rain and high winds.

The weather service reports the precipitation will start out as light rain Friday afternoon and then quickly transition to snow Friday evening. Moderate to heavy snow is possible overnight into Saturday morning with the heaviest snow  looking to set up from Austin, Minnesota, down to Charles City and through Oelwein.

Travel is likely to become difficult as the wet snow accumulates, making for slippery roads. Saturday morning, the wind will pick up, adding to the difficult travel conditions.

Snowfall amounts in any one place will be influenced by the temperature and the track of the storm system.

Daytime high temperatures in Charles City on Saturday and Sunday are expected to be in the mid-30s, with overnight lows in the mid-20s.