Weekend snowstorm headed this way

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com 

More snow. Yes, more. Another 4 to 9 inches of snow and some ice are likely headed toward the Charles City area this weekend.

“A strong winter storm is expected to impact the area Saturday night through Sunday,” the National Weather Service said. “Significant snowfall in addition to strong, gusty winds could lead to hazardous driving conditions.”

A mix of freezing drizzle and snow is likely Friday night into Saturday morning. A glaze of ice is possible along with snow accumulations of up to an inch. Travel could become difficult at times, NWS said.

A winter storm watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday for Floyd, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Howard and Winneshiek counties in northeast Iowa and parts of southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

“Heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Confidence is increasing for a significant snowfall Saturday night through Sunday with 6 or more inches of snow possible,” the weather service said.

“Total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze are possible. Strong northwest winds, gusting to 45 mph, could lead to areas of blowing and drifting of freshly fallen snow late Saturday night  and Sunday,” NWS said.

“Weekend travel could be significantly impacted.”

The NWS said Charles City received a total of 8.6 inches of snow this week on Wednesday and Thursday. Nora Springs received 9.5 inches.

The latest snow brings Charles City’s total for February to 24.5 inches, still shy of the 30.2 inches that set a record in 1962. Just 5.7 more inches of snow this weekend would establish a new February record for the city.

The average February snowfall is 7.5 inches, NWS records show.