The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for Marion County for Thursday. Precipitation will start Wednesday night in the form of rain with a few thunderstorms possible south. The rain will change to snow from northwest to southeast late Wednesday night through Thursday. Several inches of snow is possible over central and north central Iowa. Strong northwest winds will develop by Thursday afternoon with significant blowing and drifting of snow possible. Hazardous travel conditions will extend over the entire area during this period.