Update (3:27 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23):

The latest National Weather Servie forecast, released at 3:15 p.m., has further reduced the snowfall estimates for Ames. Total accumulation through Friday morning is expected to be 3.5-6 inches.

Precipitation is expected to remain mixed this afternoon as the temperature hover around 35. It will switch to entirely snow this evening and continue until about midnight.

Update (8:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23):

The most recent forecast from the National Weather Service has reduced the snowfall estimate for Ames to 4-8 inches. The winter storm warning went into effect at 6 a.m. and will continue until 12 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a winter storm warning ahead of a major snow storm that is expected to dump as much a foot of snow on Ames.

The warning is active from 6 a.m. Thursday until 12 a.m. Friday.

The Ames forecast calls for a chance of rain beginning at 3 a.m. and continuing until 9 a.m. A rain and snow mix is expected Thursday morning and will transition to all snow by noon. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible during the afternoon and early evening hours. 

The system could bring as much as 8-12 inches of snow to Ames. Visibility is expected to be reduced to one quarter mile or less during period of heavier snow. Northwest winds of 15-25 mph with higher gusts could cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.

The city of Ames snow ordinance takes effect as soon as two inches of snow has falled on main city streets. Vehicles parked on designated snow routes after the ordinance begins will be subject to towing.

The Iowa State Daily will continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and update this posting as new information becomes available.