Alert archive / Iowa / Winter Storm Warnings in 2018

Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Des Moines, IA

January 20, 2018Emmet County, Kossuth County, Palo Alto County, Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this winter storm warning at Jan 20, 2018, 2:56 PM CST for Emmet County, Kossuth County, Palo Alto County, Iowa. It took effect at Jan 21, 2018, 9:00 PM CST. It was in force for . No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 20, 2018, 2:56 PM CST (20:56 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 21, 2018, 9:00 PM CST
Expired
Jan 21, 2018, 4:47 AM CST
In force
Issued by
NWS Des Moines, IA

Counties Emmet County, IA, Kossuth County, IA, Palo Alto County, IA

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 178 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:00 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 8.9 hours before the alert went out and 195 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2018-01-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2018-01-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -12 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1597 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
85 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-12 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
73 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

821 
WWUS43 KDMX 202056
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
256 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...Winter Storm Will Impact Iowa Sunday through Monday Night...

.A wintry mix of precipitation will begin early Sunday morning
and last though Monday night. While the precipitation will change
from freezing drizzle to drizzle or light rain later Sunday, the 
most significant impacts will likely occur later Sunday night 
through Monday night. This is when the precipitation will change
from drizzle/rain to a wintry mix and finally snow. Strong winds 
will arrive on Monday creating areas of blowing and drifting snow,
which may enhance travel impacts.

IAZ004-005-015-210500-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0000Z-180123T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.WS.W.0002.180122T0300Z-180123T0600Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-
Including the cities of Estherville, Algona, and Emmetsburg
256 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM SUNDAY TO MIDNIGHT
CST MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Total snow accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches over
  southern parts of Palo Alto and Kossuth Counties to around 12
  inches in Emmet County. Ice accumulations up to around one tenth
  of an inch are expected.

* WHERE...Emmet, Kossuth, and Palo Alto Counties.

* WHEN...9 PM Sunday to midnight Monday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause
  areas of blowing and drifting snow, along with visibility less 
  than 1 mile at times. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected. This will make travel very hazardous or
impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

IAZ016-023-024-033-034-044-210500-
/O.EXB.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Hancock-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Crawford-
Including the cities of Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Pocahontas, 
Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Sac City, 
Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, 
Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, and Denison
256 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Total ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an 
  inch, and snow accumulations of up to 2 inches, with localized 
  higher amounts are possible.

* WHERE...Parts of north central into parts of west central Iowa.

* WHEN...From late Sunday night through Monday evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause
  areas of blowing and drifting snow, along with visibility less 
  than 1 mile at times. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

$$

IAZ006-007-210500-
/O.EXT.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Winnebago-Worth-
Including the cities of Forest City, Lake Mills, Northwood, 
and Manly
256 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with
  localized amounts over 8 inches in northwest Winnebago County,
  and ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch are 
  possible.

* WHERE...Winnebago and Worth Counties.

* WHEN...From late Sunday night through Monday evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause
  patchy blowing and drifting snow, along with visibility less 
  than 1 mile at times. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/desmoines

Ansorge
2 follow-up statements
519 
WWUS43 KDMX 210317
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
917 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...Winter Storm Will Impact Iowa Sunday through Monday Night...

.A wintery mix of precipitation will begin mid to late Sunday 
morning and last though Monday night. Precipitation on Sunday will
begin as freezing drizzle then transition to drizzle. The most 
significant impacts will likely occur later Sunday night through 
Monday night. This is when the precipitation will change to snow. 
Strong wind will arrive on Monday creating areas of blowing and 
drifting snow, which may enhance travel impacts.

IAZ004-005-015-211130-
/O.CON.KDMX.WS.W.0002.180122T0300Z-180123T0600Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-
Including the cities of Estherville, Algona, and Emmetsburg
917 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM SUNDAY TO
MIDNIGHT CST MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including the morning commute on Monday.
  Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches, with localized
  amounts up to 13 inches in Emmet County, and ice accumulations 
  of one tenth to two tenths of an inch are expected.

* WHERE...Emmet, Kossuth, and Palo Alto Counties.

* WHEN...9 PM Sunday to midnight Monday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will 
  cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected. This will make travel very hazardous or
impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

IAZ006-007-016-023-024-033-034-044-211130-
/O.CON.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Crawford-
Including the cities of Forest City, Lake Mills, Northwood, 
Manly, Garner, Britt, Kanawha, Pocahontas, Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda,
Gilmore City, Humboldt, Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt, Wall Lake, 
Schaller, Early, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, Pomeroy, 
and Denison
917 PM CST Sat Jan 20 2018

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, and ice 
  accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch are possible.

* WHERE...Parts of north central into parts of west central Iowa.

* WHEN...From late Sunday night through Monday evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will 
  cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

$$

FAB
For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/desmoines
336 
WWUS43 KDMX 211047
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
447 AM CST Sun Jan 21 2018

...Blizzard conditions to Impact Portions of Iowa Tonight Through
Monday Night...

.A winter storm will churn towards Iowa, arriving early tonight.
Wintry precipitation will fall in the form of ice before changing
to snow late tonight. Additionally, strong winds will arrive
tonight, serving as a catalyst for hazardous impacts as blizzard
and winter storm conditions affect portions of Iowa.

IAZ044-211200-
/O.CAN.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Crawford-
Including the city of Denison
447 AM CST Sun Jan 21 2018

...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED...

At this time, it appears the most hazardous wintry weather will be
north and west of Crawford county. However, several inches of snow
is possible, along with gusty winds. Further headlines may still
be necessary in Crawford county, and may be issued this afternoon.

$$

IAZ004-005-015-212315-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.W.0002.180122T0300Z-180123T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.BZ.W.0001.180122T0300Z-180123T0600Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-
Including the cities of Estherville, Algona, and Emmetsburg
447 AM CST Sun Jan 21 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT
CST MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Travel will be very
  dangerous to impossible, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Tree branches and limbs could fall as well...possibly 
  impacting power lines. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 
  inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches towards 
  Estherville, are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of north-central to northwestern Iowa.

* WHEN...9 PM today to midnight Monday night. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph may cause 
  whiteout conditions in blowing snow. Significant drifting of the
  snow is likely.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get 
stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for 
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

IAZ006-023-033-212315-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.BZ.W.0001.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Winnebago-Pocahontas-Sac-
Including the cities of Forest City, Lake Mills, Pocahontas, 
Laurens, Rolfe, Fonda, Gilmore City, Sac City, Lake View, 
Odebolt, Wall Lake, Schaller, and Early
447 AM CST Sun Jan 21 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT
CST MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Travel will be very
  dangerous to impossible, including during the morning commute on
  Monday. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with higher
  localized amounts, are expected. This may down smaller tree 
  branches.

* WHERE...North-central to northwestern Iowa.

* WHEN...Midnight to midnight Monday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph may cause 
  whiteout conditions in blowing snow. Significant drifting of the
  snow is likely.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get
stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

IAZ007-016-024-034-212315-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0002.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.WS.W.0003.180122T0600Z-180123T0600Z/
Worth-Hancock-Humboldt-Calhoun-
Including the cities of Northwood, Manly, Garner, Britt, Kanawha,
Humboldt, Rockwell City, Manson, Lake City, and Pomeroy
447 AM CST Sun Jan 21 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
MIDNIGHT CST MONDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Plan on difficult 
  travel conditions, including during the evening commute on 
  Monday. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with 
  localized amounts up to 6 inches, and ice accumulations of a 
  light glaze are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northern to northwestern Iowa.

* WHEN...Midnight to midnight Monday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause
  patchy blowing and drifting snow. Visibility may be less than 1
  mile during periods of heavier snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected. This will make travel very hazardous or
impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/desmoines

Kotenberg

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Iowa, 2018Every winter storm warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.