Season's first significant snowfall on the way

Pull out those snow boots and winter coats -- it looks like you'll be needing them soon.

A winter weather advisory goes into effect at 9 p.m. Wednesday and continues through midnight Thursday for nearly all of eastern and northeastern Iowa, and most counties should see 3 to 6 inches of snow by the time the storm moves east.

According to KCRG-TV9 First Alert Storm Team meteorologist Kaj O'Mara, clouds will increase throughout the day Wednesday as part of a system that has strengthened considerably over the last 24 hours -- and continues to do so.

As a result, 1 to 3 inches of snow is likely tonight, along with strong winds and wind chills around zero. Additional strengthening is likely Thursday morning, with another 1 to 3 inches possible.  Snow totals could exceed 6 inches over the northeast half of the area.

Blowing and drifting snow will also make for hazardous travel tonight and Thursday.

For more, check out KCRG-TV9's weather page.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Pinpoint Doppler Radar
• Storm updates
• Iowa road conditions
• Delays and cancellations
• Weather Water Cooler