Floyd County under winter storm warning Tuesday noon to Wednesday noon

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The first significant winter storm of the season could be headed toward northeast Iowa beginning today (Tuesday), according to the National Weather Service, with up to 10 inches of snow possible in some areas.

A large winter storm is still on track for the Midwest Tuesday into Wednesday, including much of Iowa, and Floyd County is under a winter storm warning from noon Tuesday to noon Wednesday.

The storm warning also includes Howard, Chickasaw, Winneshiek, Fayette, Allamakee and Clayton counties in northeast Iowa and part of southwest Wisconsin.

“A strong winter storm will bring snowfall, heavy at times, to the area beginning in the afternoon Tuesday,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said. “Several hours of heavy snow of 1 inch per hour are expected south of Interstate 90 in the late afternoon and evening.”

Heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. A light glaze of ice accumulation is also possible after midnight Wednesday.

“The snow will end from west to east by Wednesday morning to allow cleanup to begin,” the weather service said. “If you have travel planned Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, consider changing your plans, especially if south of Interstate 90.”

“Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Those with holiday travel plans into midweek should certainly check the latest forecast information and road reports before heading out.”

The forecast for Charles City is for a 100% chance of snow and a high of 28 Tuesday with wind gusts as high as 23 mph. Snow accumulation is predicted at more than 3 inches during the day and more than 3 inches overnight.

A wintry mix including light freezing rain is also possible over some of central and southern Iowa as well.