National Weather Service snowfall forecast for Friday, Jan. 14. Exact totals could vary but the heaviest accumulation is expected down the center of the state. -- Image courtesy of the National Weather Service

Tama County is among 65 Iowa counties through the central third of the state under a winter storm warning that will take effect Friday morning at 9 a.m. and is expected to last until 6 a.m. Saturday.

According to a Thursday evening report from the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm is expected to bring 6-8 inches of snow through much of Tama County and up to 10 inches along I-35.

Precipitation is expected to begin in and around Tama County between 8-10 a.m. Friday.

Forecasters from the NWS said the confidence level is high for accumulating snow though some uncertainty remains around the exact amounts that will fall.

Travel will be hazardous at times on Friday with the evening commute expected to be impacted the most.

Although wind gusts are not expected to be as strong as the most recent winter storm in December, the Friday storm could still bring wind gusts between 20-25 mph that could lead to drifting, especially in rural areas.

County gravel roads

A notice published Thursday by the Tama County Engineer’s Office indicated a tentative plan for plowing and treatment of county gravel roads through the upcoming winter storm.

The notice stated if the bulk of the snow arrived Friday afternoon as forecasted, the plan would be to hold off on plowing gravel roads until Saturday given that it would be impossible to plow the entire gravel system by 5 p.m. Friday if major accumulation didn’t begin until around 3 p.m.

Plowing and treatment on county paved roads is expected to still occur Friday through Saturday as needed.

The Engineer’s Office also reiterated their roads policy of responding in support of emergency services at any time of day during a snow storm event.

School closures

South Tama Schools announced Thursday evening there would be no classes or activities on Friday due to the expected storm. Friday’s originally scheduled basketball games had already been moved up to Thursday evening.

Additionally, the varsity wrestling tournament South Tama was scheduled to compete in at Ankeny High School on Saturday has been canceled.

Winter weather reminders

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. If you have to be outside in extreme cold make sure to limit outdoor exposure and bundle up in layers.