Mesoscale Discussion 0004
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0124 PM CST Fri Jan 03 2020

   Areas affected...North-Central Iowa...Southern Minnesota

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 031924Z - 040030Z

   SUMMARY...A few snow bands are expected to develop this
   afternoon/evening, with snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour and
   reduced visibilities approaching a quarter mile.

   DISCUSSION...Regional mesoanalysis depicts an upper-level short-wave
   trough and associated vorticity maxima (i.e., clipper system) moving
   quickly southeast, entering portions of southern Minnesota and
   western Iowa. Radar trends indicate areas of broken/intermittent
   snow bands over far eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota,
   extending southward into north-central Iowa, with some training
   occurring. Consequently, surface observations have reported light to
   occasional moderate snow, with visibilities briefly reduced to near
   a half mile in a few locations.

   The latest high resolution NWP guidance has been trending up in
   suggested snow amounts, perhaps approaching 2-3 inches in some
   locations by this evening. However, observations suggest the system
   may be progressing a little more quickly than depicted in the
   guidance. Surface temperatures are currently near 32 F over much of
   the region, and with soil temperatures at or slightly above freezing
   it is somewhat unclear how much snow will accumulate. The current
   expectation is for a few snow bands to develop across the region,
   with snowfall rates approaching 1 inch per hour in a few locations
   that will likely result in some accumulation. These snowfall rates
   combined with reduced visibilities will make for hazardous driving
   conditions, particularly along/near bridges and overpasses.

   ..Karstens.. 01/03/2020

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

   ATTN...WFO...ARX...MPX...DMX...FSD...

   LAT...LON   43489263 42539276 42109305 41989361 42599451 43599533
               44179619 44929416 44429313 43489263