Iowans are about to be reminded that Spring is still several weeks away. A winter storm is taking shape and National Weather Service Meteorologist Brad Small says it could dump up to a foot of snow on parts of Iowa on Friday.

“It looks like the peak amounts will vary from six inches to as high as 12 inches,” Small said. “It’ll be a fairly widespread snow as well, so it’ll cover a good portion of the state.” The heaviest snow is expected over the southern two-thirds of Iowa.

“It’ll be a fairly wet snow. Temperatures won’t be too far below freezing. We’re not talking a blizzard or anything, but the winds should be strong enough to blow (the snow) around somewhat and reduce visibilities, especially during the most intense snowfall,” Small said.

The last major snow event in the state occurred on January 25th – more than two weeks ago. Most of the snow cover has disappeared in the last few days as temperatures have been in the 50s and 60s. The conditions will take a dramatic turn on Friday.

“This snow will be the biggest of the season, we haven’t seen these amounts in quite a long time,” Small said. The snow is expected to begin falling Friday afternoon and continue through the night.