— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship Trees across Hamilton County , including these along Edgewood Drive, were painted with a light glaze of frost Wednesday morning, creating a whimsical snowscape. Conditions on Thursday are expected to be less pleasant as a powerful cold front moves across the northern part of the state.

A blizzard warning is in effect for Hamilton County and much of north central Iowa as a powerful cold front is expected to move into the state early Thursday.

The blizzard warning is in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday morning, according to information from the National Weather Service in Des Moines. A total accumulation of 1 to 4 inches is expected Thursday morning and afternoon with strong northwest winds, falling temperatures and significant impacts to travel conditions. Wind chills are expected to fall below zero Thursday night.

The strong wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected to create widespread blowing snow and potential blizzard conditions at times, especially in rural areas of north central into central Iowa. Though snowfalls are not expected to be heavy, even lighter amounts could worsen travel conditions, according to the weather service.

Local law enforcement officials encouraged motorists to check conditions before traveling.

“If the National Weather Service says travel is going to be difficult, there’s a good chance it will be difficult,” said Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons. “And it will be difficult for us to get out to help you if you get stranded. But of course, we’ll do our best.”

Timmons said that while conditions in town may not seem hazardous, conditions on rural Hamilton County roads may be a different story entirely.

“It’s deceiving when you are in town. You can get a couple miles out into the country and visibility can be greatly reduced,” he said. “Blowing snow can make travel very difficult.”