Draco is Coming! Winter Storm Warning Upgraded to Blizzard Warning

In case you hadn't heard, a major winter storm is headed our way.

The National Weather Service out of Des Moines today upgraded a winter storm warning to a blizzard warning, in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday.

According to the forecast, this "dangerous winter storm" is expected to dump 6-12 inches of snow on our area by Thursday morning. But that's just part of what the storm has in store.

Very strong northwest winds – gusting up to 45 mph – will produce considerable blowing and drifting of snow and are expected to create white-out blizzard conditions late Wednesday night into Thursday.

Iowa road conditions will be hazardous across large portions of the state.

Although snow will likely stop into Thursday night, winds could still make travel tricky with up to 30 mph gusts in the forecast. Winter Storm Draco promises to pack a punch.

Wait, they really named this storm Draco?

This reporter didn't even know winter storms got names, but the Harry Potter fan in me is amused.

Names aside, Patch will keep you updated throughout tonight's blizzard. Sign up for the Cedar Falls Patch newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed with breaking news alerts and news of cancellations, parking ordinances and other updates.

In the meantime, here's a list of things that may be helpful, including how to check road conditions, how to get text alert notifications of school closures, what you need to know about plowing and parking rules in Cedar Falls and where to call if your power goes out.

What do you think the next storm should be named? Let us know in the comments.