Cold Wednesday night, Thursday morning; heavy snow on Friday for Charles City area

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A winter storm watch is in affect for Charles City and the rest of Floyd County, as well as much of northeast Iowa, from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches are possible in parts of the storm’s path, according to the National Weather Service. The latest information for the Charles City area predicts a total new accumulation of 6 to 8 inches.

Very cold temperatures with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero will last through early morning Thursday, then heavy mixed precipitation will begin Friday.

Snow should begin falling around 7 a.m. Friday in the Charles City area, according to the latest forecast, and continue throughout the day, ending sometime early Saturday morning.

“Heavy mixed precipitation is possible Friday into Saturday,” NWS said. “Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch are possible across northeast Iowa. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches and a glaze of ice are possible across southeast Minnesota into north central Wisconsin.”

Winds could gust as high as 40 mph on Saturday.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the National Weather Service said. “Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute Friday.”

The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.