By: Matt Scher, [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – The final day of winter is tomorrow and the season will close with a bang as a blizzard is set to strike the area.
The National Weather Service says a Blizzard Warning and High Wind Warning is set to go into effect Wednesday. The Blizzard Warning will go into effect at 5 a.m. and last through 10 p.m. and the High Wind Warning will go into effect at 7 a.m. and last through 7 p.m.
Blizzard conditions are expected for the area with total snow accumulations between eight to 12 inches for Humboldt County. Two inch per hour snowfall rates will be possible along with thundersnow. Winds will be gusting from the north 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. The strong winds could cause tree damage, especially if snow accumulates on branches. The National Weather Service is describing travel on Wednesday as “treacherous to impossible” and should be restricted to emergencies only.
If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.