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 are Fractus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Fractus Clouds
Next Topic: Freezing Rain
A fractus cloud (scud) is a fragmented, tattered cloud which has
likely been sheared off of another cloud. They are accessory clouds, meaning they
develop from parent clouds, and are named in a way which describes the original
cloud which contained them.
Fractus clouds which have originated from cumulus clouds are referred to as
cumulus fractus, while fractus clouds which have originated from stratus clouds
are referred to as stratus fractus. Under certain conditions a fractus cloud might
merge with another cloud, or develop into a cumulus cloud, but usually a
fractus cloud seen by itself will dissipate rapidly.
They are often observed on the leading and trailing edges of storm clouds,
and are a display of wind activity.
Next Topic: Freezing Rain
Weather Topic: What is Graupel?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Graupel
Next Topic: Hail
Graupel is a form of precipitation that is created by atmospheric conditions
which cause supercooled water droplets to contact snow crystals and freeze to
their surface.
Sometimes known as soft hail or snow pellets, graupel is delicate and easily
destroyed by touch. Whereas hail usually falls during severe weather, graupel
doesn't require such conditions to form, and can form in mild precipitation
similar to situations which produce snowfall.
Next Topic: Hail
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