Weather Alert in Iowa
Winter Storm Warning issued February 19 at 2:45PM CST until February 20 at 6:00AM CST by NWS Des Moines IA
AREAS AFFECTED: Webster; Crawford; Carroll; Greene; Boone; Audubon; Guthrie; Dallas; Cass
DESCRIPTION: Precipitation will spread from western into central Iowa this afternoon and evening. Initially, it may begin as a rain/snow mix across southern and western Iowa before changing to snow. A band of 5 to 8 inches of snow is expected by Friday morning from western through central to northeastern Iowa. There will be a sharp gradient of snowfall on either side of the heaviest band of snow. Snow rates may exceed 1" per hour at times this evening leading to rapid snow accumulations on roads and slick travel conditions. A small change in the location of the band could alter forecast snow amounts. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. * WHERE...Portions of western and central Iowa. * WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening commute. Heavy snow with breezy winds could lead to isolated power outages.
INSTRUCTION: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.
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Weather Topic: What are Nimbostratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Nimbostratus Clouds
Next Topic: Precipitation
A nimbostratus cloud is similar to a stratus cloud in its formless,
smooth appearance. However, a nimbostratus cloud is darker than a stratus cloud,
because it is thicker.
Unlike a stratus cloud, a nimbostratus cloud typically brings with it the threat
of moderate to heavy precipitation. In some cases, the precipitation may evaporate
before reaching the ground, a phenomenon known as virga.
Next Topic: Precipitation
Weather Topic: What is Rain?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Rain
Next Topic: Shelf Clouds
Precipitation in the form of water droplets is called rain.
Rain generally has a tendency to fall with less intensity over a greater period
of time, and when rainfall is more severe it is usually less sustained.
Rain is the most common form of precipitation and happens with greater frequency
depending on the season and regional influences. Cities have been shown to have
an observable effect on rainfall, due to an effect called the urban heat island.
Compared to upwind, monthly rainfall between twenty and forty miles downwind of
cities is 30% greater.
Next Topic: Shelf Clouds
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