First Major Winter Storm of the 2009-2010 Season Looms

Roads are slick Monday from Sunday night's quick two inches of snow, but heavier snow and very strong winds are forecast to add potentially blizzard-like conditions in the days ahead.

Channel 13 Meteorologists are forecasting the first major winter storm of the season to hit central Iowa Tuesday through Wednesday. It will be a prolonged snow event.

Light snow is expected to begin falling early Tuesday morning. Up to an inch of snow will be possible by daybreak. The heaviest of the snow will fall through the afternoon and evening right during the drive home from work on Tuesday. Snow totals of six to 12 inches across the state by the time the snow ends.

Southeast Iowa may even seen some sleet mixing in with the snow on Tuesday afternoon as some slightly warmer air works in to that part of the state. That could limit snowfall totals there.

The bigger problem begins on Tuesday night because of very strong winds. Northwest winds are expected to increase late Tuesday and continue to blow throughout the day on Wednesday. The wind will lead to blowing snow and reduce visibilities to less than a quarter of a mile or possibly even whiteout conditions in open areas.

Travel will not be advised Tuesday and Wednesday, as conditions will be treacherous.