Mesoscale Discussion 0001
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0550 AM CST Thu Jan 02 2025
Areas affected...South-central IA
Concerning...Heavy snow
Valid 021150Z - 021445Z
SUMMARY...A focused burst of moderate to heavy snow should continue
to impact the I-80 corridor and overspread the I-35 corridor in the south-central Iowa vicinity through mid-morning. Rates near 1 inch
per hour may occur within a narrow portion of the band into parts of
the Des Moines Metro Area.
DISCUSSION...Ahead of a low-amplitude shortwave impulse progressing
across the Mid-MO Valley, a focused corridor of frontogenetic
forcing for ascent has yield a comma-shaped snow band across parts
of west-central to southwest IA. Multiple observations have reported
1/4 to 1/2 mile visibility, albeit briefly, generally along and
north of I-80. Early-morning guidance suggests frontogenesis will
subside towards late morning, with recent HRRR runs indicating a
loss of comma-head shape into more of a west/east-oriented band as
this occurs. While snow rates around 1 in/hr should peak through
15Z, more moderate snow rates near 0.5 in/hr may linger into midday.