The magnitude of the storm is predicted to be greater than the Hawkeye State has seen in 20 to 30 years.

An intense winter storm is affecting Iowa today as snow has already developed in southern Iowa. This snow will spread across the state and persist tonight before ending Wednesday. Around a foot of snow is expected across all of central Iowa with higher amounts from south central to northeast sections of the state. By late tonight...northwest winds will increase and become quite strong. Considerable blowing and drifting snow is expected with near blizzard to blizzard conditions by daybreak on Wednesday. Winds are expected to increase to 40 to 50 mph over the state after midnight tonight and continue for much of Wednesday morning and early afternoon. (Source: National Weather Service)

Gov. Chet Culver held a special media availability Tuesday afternoon, following remarks to the Iowa Taxpayers Association, where he discussed the snow storm expected to impact the majority of the state. Culver Communications Director Eric Seidler said that while it is not open yet, the Emergency Operation Center is preparing to open if it is deemed necessary.

Although snow fall has been moderate to light throughout the morning and afternoon, the National Weather Service is predicting high winds, greater snow total and blizzard-like conditions throughout the state tonight and tomorrow.  Or, as the National Weather Service advisory stated, “All indications remain on track for a high end … high impact major winter storm with potential crippling winter impacts.”

Travel, obviously, is not advised for tonight or tomorrow.

“Make the safety of yourself, your passengers and others sharing the roadway your number one priority,” said Dena Gray-Fisher, spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Transportation. “Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Members of the Iowa National Guard are reportedly going to work once again with State Troopers to help stranded motorists along interstates.

Iowans are asked to check on elderly and needy neighbors, and also to ensure that emergency equipment near their property, such as fire hydrants, are cleared of snow. Most Iowa cities, if they already have not, will announce snow emergencies and vehicles should be removed from those roadways to allow plowing.

Snowfall is expected to intensify throughout the day, with heavy snowfall occurring this evening. Southeast and northwest Iowa are expected to receive 4 to 6 inches, and the balance of the state could receive 10 to 15 inches.  Rural areas will likely see significant blowing and drifting throughout the day on Wednesday, which may lead to some road closing unexpectedly. Winds are expected to be steady at 25 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts between 40 and 50 mph.

Visibility could be near zero in many parts of the state. Iowans who must travel are encouraged to either phone 511 or log onto 511ia.org to view road conditions.

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