Marion County and much of central Iowa are now officially under a blizzard warning beginning at 6pm today. That warning is in effect for 24 hours, until 6pm Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, a strong low pressure system will bring a large area of moderate to heavy snow beginning late Wednesday afternoon or early evening into Thursday. Snowfall amounts are forecast to range from 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. The period of heaviest snowfall will be Wednesday evening through the early morning hours Thursday. Very strong northwest winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph will develop early Thursday morning and persist through much of the day Thursday. Blizzard conditions are expected Thursday with significant blowing and drifting snow.