Mesoscale Discussion 0056
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0229 PM CST Fri Jan 12 2024

   Areas affected...Iowa

   Concerning...Blizzard 

   Valid 122029Z - 130030Z

   SUMMARY...Blizzard conditions will become more widespread through
   the afternoon and evening across portions of Iowa.

   DISCUSSION...The primary surface low continues to track to the
   northeast with recent surface observations/analyses depicting the
   center of the low over central IL. To the west/northwest of the low,
   a cold air mass continues to push southward across IA. Gradient
   winds have slowly been increasing with the approach and deepening of
   the low. While sustained winds have largely remained below 35 mph
   thus far, frequent gusts between 30-40 mph have been observed across
   IA with subsequent visibility reductions down to 1/4 mile. Winds are
   forecast to peak around 00 UTC with frequent gusts between 35-45 mph
   likely. Although snowfall should gradually diminish through the
   evening, a fresh, 2+ inch snow pack is in place across much of the
   state per recent LSRs. Blowing snow model output indicates that this
   combination of winds, a fresh/deep snow pack, and temperatures in
   the teens will support scattered to widespread blizzard conditions
   with prolonged visibility reductions of 1/4 mile or less. Based on
   recent hi-res guidance, portions of central/eastern IA may see wind
   gusts up to 50-55 mph over a 4-10 inch deep snow pack, resulting in
   a corridor of fairly intense blizzard conditions with near-zero
   visibilities possible.

   ..Moore.. 01/12/2024

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...DVN...ARX...DMX...EAX...FSD...OAX...

   LAT...LON   42569536 42099566 41539565 41269543 40969480 40269277
               40339192 40639135 40879120 41539128 42179129 42469118
               42879110 43299131 43509162 43499262 43369346 43029467
               42569536