The National Weather Service has officially upgraded its warning to a BLIZZARD WARNING for the state in effect from midnight tonight (Tuesday) until midnight Wednesday. The winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight.
The service is calling for mostly sunny skies by Thursday, but colder conditions, with a predicted high of only 10 degrees and an overnight low Thursday night of minus 2. Temperatures are forecast to continue moderating through the upcoming weekend.
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Most of the state is currently under a winter storm warning and a blizzard watch. As of Tuesday morning, there was every indication that the blizzard watch could be upgraded to a blizzard warning later tonight as the area is expecting heavy snow and very strong winds.
In its midmorning update, the National Weather Service indicated that an “extremely dangerous winter storm” will affect the area, with heavy snow expected later this afternoon and tonight. Strong winds will also develop tonight and Wednesday.
“Travel will become difficult if not impossible due to heavy snow accumulations and poor visibility in blowing snow,” the service said.
“It has been about 10 years since snows and winds of this magnitude and expanse have been seen across the area,” the statement said. “Storm strength is another matter. It has probably been 20 to 30 years since the impacts of a winter storm of this strength have been seen in the area.”
Area residents woke up to another light accumulation of snow Tuesday morning, but forecasters indicate the area is in for as much as foot more of snow before the system moves out of the area later on Wednesday. But winds are expected to increase to as high as 35 mph sustained velocities and gusts of up to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting of the new snow and whiteout conditions.
Another concern is the potential for widespread power outages as the winds develop.
Residents are reminded to stay home as the storm intensifies if at all possible. If you must drive, make sure you have a survival kit in your vehicle. You should also prepare for potential residential power interruptions, with safe alternate light sources, battery-powered radios, charged cell phones, etc.
Representatives of Alliant Energy urged their customers to report any power outages by using the company’s automated reporting service at 1-800-ALLIANT. This will assist the company in pinpointing the location of outages.