The National Weather Service has extended the Blizzard Warning for parts of Central Iowa, as a strong storm system and powerful low-pressure area have brought another round of heavy snowfall to the state. The system has moved off to the northeast, leaving behind strong winds and frigid temperatures.

The northwest quadrant of Central Iowa is expected to experience blizzard conditions, with Ames, Carroll, Boone, Webster City, and Algona already meeting the official blizzard criteria on Friday. These areas are likely to continue facing blizzard conditions today.

A weak disturbance rotating around the previous storm system will bring another round of light, powdery snow to Iowa between 9 am and 9 pm today. Additional accumulations of 1-2 inches are possible, adding to the already significant amount of blowing snow and the threat of ground blizzards.

Following the snowfall, dangerous cold air will settle into the state, persisting until mid-week. The region is expected to experience approximately 72 hours of subzero temperatures. There is a possibility of tying the previous record for the greatest number of consecutive days below zero, which occurred in 1996 with three days. Wind chills will be extremely dangerous, with values reaching as low as -40 to -50°F on Sunday morning. Frostbite can occur within 10 to 30 minutes in these conditions, so residents are advised to take extreme cold precautions and limit outdoor exposure.

An eventual warming trend is expected by the middle of next week, with temperatures returning to the middle teens by Wednesday. However, another surge of arctic air and light snow is anticipated for Thursday into Friday.

As a result of the inclement weather, several businesses, churches, and other locations have closed over the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about closures by referring to official sources.

In today's forecast, cloudy conditions are expected with light snow and windy conditions. An additional 1-2 inches of snowfall is expected, accompanied by blowing snow and ground blizzards in rural areas. The chance of snow is 60%, with a high temperature of 2°F. Winds will be strong, ranging from 25 to 30 mph with gusts over 40 mph at times.

For tonight, the weather will remain mostly cloudy before becoming partly cloudy. The temperature is expected to drop to a low of -17°F, with winds from the west-northwest at 15 to 25 mph. Hazardous wind chills are expected.

Tomorrow, mostly cloudy skies will prevail, with a high temperature of -6°F. Winds will be from the west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph, and hazardous wind chills will persist. Tomorrow night, partly cloudy skies are expected, with a low temperature of -18°F and winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Hazardous wind chills are anticipated.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and exercise caution while venturing outdoors during this prolonged period of extremely cold temperatures.