Snowplows are struggling to keep up with the heavy snow falling in parts of northern Iowa. Twenty-three counties across the state’s northern half are under a Winter Storm Warning. Meteorologist Jim Lee, at the National Weather Service, says this may be the deepest snowfall of the season, so far:

“We’re forecasting totals of four to seven inches across northern, northeastern and eastern Iowa with lower amounts further south,” Lee says. Several northern Iowa school districts cancelled classes today due to the looming storm. The snow should last much of the day and

Lee says by the time it stops, it’ll be bitter cold.

Temperatures will fall overnight with clearing skies as the snow cover helps to make things even colder, with regular air temps dipping perhaps as low as 15-below zero. While Saturday should be mostly clear and cold, Lee says there’s a chance for still-more snow during the second half of the weekend.

It may be warm enough for some rain during the day on Sunday, rain that may change over to snow on Sunday night. For Iowans who are traveling today, road conditions are becoming hazarous in many areas. Check first by calling the state D.O.T.’s information line at 5-1-1.

By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City