Blizzard Warning: 'Dangerous' Winter Snow Storm Draco on the Way

The National Weather Service has officially upgraded snow storm Draco to a blizzard warning for Marion and much of the rest of Iowa.

The warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday.

According to the Marion forecast, this "dangerous winter storm" could dump more than a foot of  snow on our area by Thursday afternoon. But that's just part of what this storm has in store.

Draco could cause school closings and electricity outages. Patch will provide breaking news alerts on this storm -- including closures and other information -- by email, which can reach your smart phone. You can sign up by clicking here.

Rain and snow is expected to arrive in Iowa Wednesday afternoon, becoming all snow Wednesday night and ending Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, very strong northwest winds – gusting up to 45 mph – will produce consideral blowing and drifting of snow and near 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.