(IowaStormCenter.com) — The Long Range weather warning was issued on Wednesday and now the final forecast today for the heightened freezing rain risk later this evening through Saturday.
A strong pacific system will move into the plains from the Intermountain west today with a warm frontal zone draped over the center of Iowa which will be the focus for ice accumulation with the system. Main points summarized below.
1. Freezing rain/sleet mix will develop over west central/SW Iowa 3-6 PM today extending into northwest Iowa 6-9 PM with the onset of sleet/snow.
2. All activity works eastward into central Iowa 10 PM -12 AM, then eastern Iowa 1-4 AM Saturday morning.
3. Significant ice zone centered over central/east Iowa with a widespread 0.10-0.25″ of accumulation.
4. Precipitation will transition to snow from west to east on Saturday with a trace-2″ of accumulation.
5. All activity will taper off from west to east by Saturday late afternoon through the evening.
– Meteorologist Maurer
– Master Meteorologist Raiden Storm
