Weather Alert in Iowa
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 19 at 3:24AM CST until February 20 at 6:00AM CST by NWS Des Moines IA
AREAS AFFECTED: Wright; Franklin; Butler; Bremer; Hamilton; Hardin; Grundy; Black Hawk; Story; Marshall; Tama; Polk; Jasper; Warren; Marion
DESCRIPTION: ...ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL IMPACT TRAVEL FROM LATE THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY... .Precipitation will spread from western into central Iowa on Thursday afternoon and evening. Initially, it may begin as rain or a rain/snow mix before changing to snow. Light to moderate snow accumulations are expected by Friday morning, but a narrow band of heavier snowfall is expected with amounts quickly decreasing on either side of the band. Snow rates may near or exceed 1" per hour at times leading to quickly accumulating snow on roads and slick travel conditions. A small change in the location of the band could alter forecast snow amounts. * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches. A narrow corridor of 6 inches is possible within the advisory, but confidence in its placement is low at this time. * WHERE...Portions of central Iowa. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow amounts may vary significantly within any one county.
INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.
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Weather Topic: What is Sleet?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Sleet
Next Topic: Snow
Sleet is a form of precipitation in which small ice pellets are the primary
components. These ice pellets are smaller and more translucent than hailstones,
and harder than graupel. Sleet is caused by specific atmospheric conditions and
therefore typically doesn't last for extended periods of time.
The condition which leads to sleet formation requires a warmer body of air to be
wedged in between two sub-freezing bodies of air. When snow falls through a warmer
layer of air it melts, and as it falls through the next sub-freezing body of air
it freezes again, forming ice pellets known as sleet. In some cases, water
droplets don't have time to freeze before reaching the surface and the result is
freezing rain.
Next Topic: Snow
Weather Topic: What are Stratocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
Stratocumulus clouds are similar to altocumulus clouds in their
fluffy appearance, but have a slightly darker shade due to their additional mass.
A good way to distinguish the two cloud types is to hold your hand out and measure
the size of an individual cloud; if it is the size of your thumb it is generally
an altocumulus cloud, if it is the size of your hand it is generally a
stratocumulus cloud.
It is uncommon for stratocumulus clouds to produce precipitation, but if they do
it is usually a light rain or snow.
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
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