Spencer set for first snowfall

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued its first snow-related advisory for the 2008-09 winter season.

Spencer was included in a portion of northwest Iowa placed under a winter weather advisory, for snow and blowing snow, from midnight to noon on Friday.

Meteorologists expected rain to become more widespread, then change over to snow after midnight. They also expected northwest winds to increase to 20-35 mph late Thursday and Friday.

"This will combine with the snow to produce areas of blowing snow," the advisory said. "Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches can be expected."

Dickinson County also is under the winter weather advisory. Buena Vista County is under a wind advisory.

Conditions are far worse in portions of South Dakota west of Brookings, Sioux Falls and Yankton. The Sioux Falls office has issued a blizzard warning for much of central South Dakota.

A winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to a combination of falling and blowing snow. Caution is recommended while traveling, especially in open areas.