Dec 28, 2020

Winter storm could impact much of the Midwest Tuesday, Wednesday

Posted Dec 28, 2020 6:38 PM

By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post

The first significant winter storm of the season could bring a mixed bag of precipitation over a large portion of the Central Plains and parts of the Ozark Highlands throughout the day Tuesday.

Meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch with the National Weather Service says this storm could bring a wide variety of precipitation.

"We're going to have a mixed bag with periods of heavy snow,
 Barjenbruch said. "Perhaps some freezing rain or ice pellets, or maybe changing to rain entirely. We definitely expect some impactful winter weather."

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for large portions of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and northwest Missouri, while portions of central Iowa are in a Winter Storm Warning from Tuesday morning into Wednesday morning.

Eastern Kansas and northwest Missouri should only expect up to an inch of snow, with higher amounts in Nebraska and Iowa. However, most areas could see anywhere from a light glaze to 0.1" inches of ice accumulation, impacting the Tuesday morning commute.

Barjenbruch says with this being the first major storm of the season for much of the Midwest, drivers need to get back into the mindset of driving cautiously.

"Most of us around these parts have certainly had experience driving in snow or ice," Barjenbruch said. "It's a mindset we have to prepare for. Slow down. Allow extra room. Or, if possible, don't drive when the roads are nasty. I know that's not always possible, but it is the best way to avoid accidents."