Blizzard Warning in effect tonight through Wednesday afternoon

CLEAR LAKE — A Blizzard Warning is in effect for all of our listening area as well as a good portion of the central third of the state from midnight tonight until 3:00 PM Wednesday afternoon. There’s also a High Wind Warning in effect for the listening area during that same time frame.

A strong early spring system is set to impact Iowa later today through tonight into Wednesday. Rain will quickly change to snow from northwest to southeast Iowa overnight as winds intensify from the northwest and become strong with gusts near or above 60 miles per hour. The combination of these winds with falling snow will cause significant visibility reductions with a period of blizzard conditions expected.

Blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions, particularly in open, rural areas, will make travel dangerous at times tonight into at least a part of Wednesday morning. Even as the falling snow ends, blowing snow and visibility restrictions may persist.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Wednesday as the winds slowly decrease.

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only, and if you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.